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Behavioral Analysis Unit #1
Profiling a Killer
He can psychoanalyze any serial killer,
But can he protect her from one?
Special Agent Nicholas James knows serial killers up close and personal. After all, he was practically raised by one and later became a Behavioral Analysis Unit specialist to put them behind bars. But Dr. Aubrey Flood’s sister’s murder is his highest-stakes case yet. His professional history with the beautiful medical examiner is legendary. So is their attraction. But the clock is ticking…and Nicholas has every intention of making sure Aubrey doesn't become another victim.
But can he protect her from one?
Special Agent Nicholas James knows serial killers up close and personal. After all, he was practically raised by one and later became a Behavioral Analysis Unit specialist to put them behind bars. But Dr. Aubrey Flood’s sister’s murder is his highest-stakes case yet. His professional history with the beautiful medical examiner is legendary. So is their attraction. But the clock is ticking…and Nicholas has every intention of making sure Aubrey doesn't become another victim.
212 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 10, 2021
38 people are currently reading
97 people want to read
About the author
Nichole Severn
187 books438 followers"First class romantic suspense!"
- Cynthia Eden, NYT Bestselling Author
Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author Nichole Severn writes mind-twisting suspense and bullet-proof romance with strong heroines, heroes who dare challenge them, and cases you won’t be able to forget.
She graduated from Utah Valley University with a degree in Psychology and is working for her masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. She’s a member of Mystery Writers of America, a founding member of the Addicted to Danger Facebook group, and volunteers for a number of non-profits focused on supporting mothers.
She resides with her very supportive and patient husband, as well as her two demon spawn, in Utah. When she’s not writing, she’s constantly injuring herself training for marathons, accidentally stabbing herself with screwdrivers during her many DIY projects, or playing violin. That’s right. She stabbed herself with a screwdriver.
- Cynthia Eden, NYT Bestselling Author
Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author Nichole Severn writes mind-twisting suspense and bullet-proof romance with strong heroines, heroes who dare challenge them, and cases you won’t be able to forget.
She graduated from Utah Valley University with a degree in Psychology and is working for her masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. She’s a member of Mystery Writers of America, a founding member of the Addicted to Danger Facebook group, and volunteers for a number of non-profits focused on supporting mothers.
She resides with her very supportive and patient husband, as well as her two demon spawn, in Utah. When she’s not writing, she’s constantly injuring herself training for marathons, accidentally stabbing herself with screwdrivers during her many DIY projects, or playing violin. That’s right. She stabbed herself with a screwdriver.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
September 14, 2021
I've given this a C- at AAR, so that's 2.5 stars.
Nicole Severn’s Profiling a Killer is the first book in a new, multi-authored Romantic Suspense series featuring the characters who make up a BAU – Behavioural Analysis Unit – of the FBI based in Seattle. It started well, but it wasn’t long before it became mired in cliché and dumb behaviour that made me question – repeatedly – the supposed intelligence of the characters. The author attempts to give the two leads some interesting backstory, but the way this has affected them is told rather than shown (some of it so often it was like being hit over the head with it) and the identity of the killer was easy to work out. Which all adds up to another not-great romantic suspense read.
Three years before this story begins, Nicholas James, Seattle BAU’s top profiler, helped to put away the serial killer known as the “X Marks the Spot Killer” because he would carve an X into the cheek of his victims and then leave clues as to the location of the body. Cracking the case cemented Nicholas’ stellar reputation, but was devastating for him personally, as the murderer turned out to be someone he knew well and had grown up looking to as a father figure after his own father left when Nicholas was ten. That discovery changed him, making him reluctant to trust and unable to take anyone at face value.
When Profiling a Killer opens, Nicholas has been called in to investigate the death of a young woman named Kara Flood, whose murder bears all the hallmarks of the X Marks the Spot killer. The victim was the sister of Dr. Aubrey Flood, the medical examiner who worked with Nicholas three years before and whose painstaking work on the autopsies of the killer’s final three victims finally brought to light the evidence needed to convict him. Given the circumstances of her sister’s death, Aubrey specially requested Nicholas work the investigation; and although she knows she can’t be officially involved, she needs to see that her sister gets justice and help that happen if she can.
It’s clear that there is a copycat out there - could the choice of victim somehow point to Aubrey being their real target? Given her involvement with the previous investigation it seems likely – and Nicholas is determined to do everything he can to keep her safe while also tracking down the killer.
There are good ingredients in this book – a clever unsub who seems to be one step ahead, personal connections to this particular case, and the concept of a murderer copying different MOs – but unfortunately the resulting bake is a complete disappointment. Aubrey is abducted by the killer not once, but twice, the first time managing to free herself from a situation I doubt even Houdini could have got out of, and the villain proves themselves to be far cleverer than the supposedly brilliant Nicholas and his team several times over. On one occasion they manage to draw Nicholas, Aubrey and two other BAU members (who are heroes and heroines of future books in the series) to a remote location, incapacitate the other two agents, best Nicholas in a fight and throw him into the sea. Aubrey – while wearing clothes and a heavy bullet-proof vest – jumps into the waves and swims with an unconscious body against the tide, then manages somehow to lift him onto a pier, only to get nabbed by the killer once Nicholas – who has been badly roughed up and half-drowned – has regained consciousness and gone off to look for his colleagues leaving Aubrey on her own. And then there’s the scene before that where Nicholas gives Aubrey a gun and tells her to use it if she has to, when she clearly states she’s never fired one and has no idea how to handle one.
See what I mean about the dumb?
Sadly, there’s plenty more where that came from.
As to the romance… Again, it had potential, but in the end there’s no chemistry and no connection between Nicholas and Aubrey at all. We’re told they had been attracted to each other when they first met three years before and had never really forgotten each other, and we’re told they’re attracted to each other now, but nothing I read convinced me of that. Nicholas’ personal relationship with a serial killer is mentioned in passing but never explored, and if I read how Aubrey had “dedicated her entire life to giving family members answers they needed as to how their loved ones passed” or how she’d “sacrificed her own needs in order to help strangers cope with their loss and to find the truth” once, I read it ten times – possibly more – and after the third or fourth time it really got on my nerves.
I’m not having as much luck with Harlequin’s Intrigue line as I’ve had with their historical romances. Perhaps the shorter page-count doesn’t allow enough space to properly develop a romance AND a suspense plot, but Profiling a Killerdoes have a decent premise and the bare bones of a good story. (Which is why it gets a low C instead of a D). But that’s ruined by an over-reliance on cliché, weak characterisation and a non-existent romance.
Oh, well. My search for new, good m/f romantic suspense continues.
Nicole Severn’s Profiling a Killer is the first book in a new, multi-authored Romantic Suspense series featuring the characters who make up a BAU – Behavioural Analysis Unit – of the FBI based in Seattle. It started well, but it wasn’t long before it became mired in cliché and dumb behaviour that made me question – repeatedly – the supposed intelligence of the characters. The author attempts to give the two leads some interesting backstory, but the way this has affected them is told rather than shown (some of it so often it was like being hit over the head with it) and the identity of the killer was easy to work out. Which all adds up to another not-great romantic suspense read.
Three years before this story begins, Nicholas James, Seattle BAU’s top profiler, helped to put away the serial killer known as the “X Marks the Spot Killer” because he would carve an X into the cheek of his victims and then leave clues as to the location of the body. Cracking the case cemented Nicholas’ stellar reputation, but was devastating for him personally, as the murderer turned out to be someone he knew well and had grown up looking to as a father figure after his own father left when Nicholas was ten. That discovery changed him, making him reluctant to trust and unable to take anyone at face value.
When Profiling a Killer opens, Nicholas has been called in to investigate the death of a young woman named Kara Flood, whose murder bears all the hallmarks of the X Marks the Spot killer. The victim was the sister of Dr. Aubrey Flood, the medical examiner who worked with Nicholas three years before and whose painstaking work on the autopsies of the killer’s final three victims finally brought to light the evidence needed to convict him. Given the circumstances of her sister’s death, Aubrey specially requested Nicholas work the investigation; and although she knows she can’t be officially involved, she needs to see that her sister gets justice and help that happen if she can.
It’s clear that there is a copycat out there - could the choice of victim somehow point to Aubrey being their real target? Given her involvement with the previous investigation it seems likely – and Nicholas is determined to do everything he can to keep her safe while also tracking down the killer.
There are good ingredients in this book – a clever unsub who seems to be one step ahead, personal connections to this particular case, and the concept of a murderer copying different MOs – but unfortunately the resulting bake is a complete disappointment. Aubrey is abducted by the killer not once, but twice, the first time managing to free herself from a situation I doubt even Houdini could have got out of, and the villain proves themselves to be far cleverer than the supposedly brilliant Nicholas and his team several times over. On one occasion they manage to draw Nicholas, Aubrey and two other BAU members (who are heroes and heroines of future books in the series) to a remote location, incapacitate the other two agents, best Nicholas in a fight and throw him into the sea. Aubrey – while wearing clothes and a heavy bullet-proof vest – jumps into the waves and swims with an unconscious body against the tide, then manages somehow to lift him onto a pier, only to get nabbed by the killer once Nicholas – who has been badly roughed up and half-drowned – has regained consciousness and gone off to look for his colleagues leaving Aubrey on her own. And then there’s the scene before that where Nicholas gives Aubrey a gun and tells her to use it if she has to, when she clearly states she’s never fired one and has no idea how to handle one.
See what I mean about the dumb?
Sadly, there’s plenty more where that came from.
As to the romance… Again, it had potential, but in the end there’s no chemistry and no connection between Nicholas and Aubrey at all. We’re told they had been attracted to each other when they first met three years before and had never really forgotten each other, and we’re told they’re attracted to each other now, but nothing I read convinced me of that. Nicholas’ personal relationship with a serial killer is mentioned in passing but never explored, and if I read how Aubrey had “dedicated her entire life to giving family members answers they needed as to how their loved ones passed” or how she’d “sacrificed her own needs in order to help strangers cope with their loss and to find the truth” once, I read it ten times – possibly more – and after the third or fourth time it really got on my nerves.
I’m not having as much luck with Harlequin’s Intrigue line as I’ve had with their historical romances. Perhaps the shorter page-count doesn’t allow enough space to properly develop a romance AND a suspense plot, but Profiling a Killerdoes have a decent premise and the bare bones of a good story. (Which is why it gets a low C instead of a D). But that’s ruined by an over-reliance on cliché, weak characterisation and a non-existent romance.
Oh, well. My search for new, good m/f romantic suspense continues.
August 30, 2021
Oh, wow. This was just bad.
I saw that two authors I normally enjoy (Juno Rushdan and Caridad Pinero) wrote later installments of this series, so I decided to start at the beginning and read in order. This first book is one I'd recommend skipping.
The series centers on the Behavioral Analysis Unit in the Seattle FBI office. The hero of this book, Nicholas James, is the group's profiler. As a profiler, I didn't find his character very compelling. He's on the hunt for a copycat killer, but a good portion of the story also involves him courting the very grief-stricken sister of one of the victims. The whole romance takes place within the week following the sister's killing, and I have to admit that I found that more than a little bit icky.
The heroine, Aubrey Flood, works for the medical examiner's office in the city. Naturally, she isn't the medical examiner assigned to her own sister's murder, but throughout the book, she keeps popping up in the investigation in rather unrealistic ways. Normally, if someone in an office has ties to a crime under investigation, they are completely screened out of the investigation. A good investigating team is going to want to avoid any possible accusation of untoward conduct, and letting the victim's sister participate in witness interviews and go on ride-alongs would be all kinds of problematic.
In this book, the dynamics of the romance were highly uncomfortable, the investigation was a mess, and I figured out the identity of the killer in the first half of the book. If you're interested in this series, I would skip this installment. I'm already partway through Book 2, and I wouldn't have felt lost at all if I simply started there.
I saw that two authors I normally enjoy (Juno Rushdan and Caridad Pinero) wrote later installments of this series, so I decided to start at the beginning and read in order. This first book is one I'd recommend skipping.
The series centers on the Behavioral Analysis Unit in the Seattle FBI office. The hero of this book, Nicholas James, is the group's profiler. As a profiler, I didn't find his character very compelling. He's on the hunt for a copycat killer, but a good portion of the story also involves him courting the very grief-stricken sister of one of the victims. The whole romance takes place within the week following the sister's killing, and I have to admit that I found that more than a little bit icky.
The heroine, Aubrey Flood, works for the medical examiner's office in the city. Naturally, she isn't the medical examiner assigned to her own sister's murder, but throughout the book, she keeps popping up in the investigation in rather unrealistic ways. Normally, if someone in an office has ties to a crime under investigation, they are completely screened out of the investigation. A good investigating team is going to want to avoid any possible accusation of untoward conduct, and letting the victim's sister participate in witness interviews and go on ride-alongs would be all kinds of problematic.
In this book, the dynamics of the romance were highly uncomfortable, the investigation was a mess, and I figured out the identity of the killer in the first half of the book. If you're interested in this series, I would skip this installment. I'm already partway through Book 2, and I wouldn't have felt lost at all if I simply started there.
August 18, 2021
Nichole hit this one out of the park. I felt like I was there and watching it on TV as a Crime Show.
Dr. Audrey Flood the medical examiner.
Agent Nicholas James who knew serial killers upclose and to personal.
Behavior Analysis Unit was on a case that was up close to the medical examiner and she requested for Agent James to take this case. The killer left clue at every killing and he only had one person he wanted as his masterpiece. He knew he had to go through certain people to get to her.
He had certain things he wanted to do to end the game he was playing.
He was a jealous man who didn't get what he wanted and he hard heard enough through her sister Kara Flood.
So that was the beginning then her dog was used to delay them so he could do his next killing. Paige Cress was the part of this game.
He did everything to make this happen but Agent James and the BAU was one step ahead.
Nicholas was not letting this killer go after the things he had done. It was his job to find and put away people like this killer.
I could not put this down when I started it. It had great detail and suspense awesome characters that was good together. I didn't get lost the time line was perfect. I love this book I hope and this I could read and review all the books in line so I don't miss anything.
Thank you Nicole for letting me be part of your books.
Dr. Audrey Flood the medical examiner.
Agent Nicholas James who knew serial killers upclose and to personal.
Behavior Analysis Unit was on a case that was up close to the medical examiner and she requested for Agent James to take this case. The killer left clue at every killing and he only had one person he wanted as his masterpiece. He knew he had to go through certain people to get to her.
He had certain things he wanted to do to end the game he was playing.
He was a jealous man who didn't get what he wanted and he hard heard enough through her sister Kara Flood.
So that was the beginning then her dog was used to delay them so he could do his next killing. Paige Cress was the part of this game.
He did everything to make this happen but Agent James and the BAU was one step ahead.
Nicholas was not letting this killer go after the things he had done. It was his job to find and put away people like this killer.
I could not put this down when I started it. It had great detail and suspense awesome characters that was good together. I didn't get lost the time line was perfect. I love this book I hope and this I could read and review all the books in line so I don't miss anything.
Thank you Nicole for letting me be part of your books.
June 22, 2021
Profiling A Killer by Nichole Severn is the 1st book in the new Behavioral Analysis Unit series. This first book in the series comes out with a bang! Nichole Severn knows how to write a good book and this book is no exception. Special Agent Nicholas James and Dr. Aubrey Flood are great together. There's some twists and turns in this book and a surprise killer. The book keeps your attention and you will not want to put it down till the end. The next books in the series is Decoding A Criminal by Barbara Han in August 2021, Tracing A Kidnapper by Juno Rushdan in September of 2021 and Trapping A Terrorist by Caridad Pineiro in October 2021. Don't miss this series it's going to be a great series if the 1st book is any indication of what's to come.
June 20, 2021
I enjoyed this book tremendously as I do all of Nichole's books. Really looking forward to reading the rest of the books in this continuity series.
Nicholas James, special agent with the BAU, Aubrey Flood, medical examiner, are brought together when Aubrey's sister is murdered. Their relationship is fraught with danger and as they work together to bring down a serial killer, stakes become high when the killer sets his sights on Aubrey and Nicholas will do anything in his power to make sure she doesn't become a victim.
I enjoyed the fact that both these characters are broken in some way and how they work through that and realize their HEA!
Nicholas James, special agent with the BAU, Aubrey Flood, medical examiner, are brought together when Aubrey's sister is murdered. Their relationship is fraught with danger and as they work together to bring down a serial killer, stakes become high when the killer sets his sights on Aubrey and Nicholas will do anything in his power to make sure she doesn't become a victim.
I enjoyed the fact that both these characters are broken in some way and how they work through that and realize their HEA!
October 4, 2021
Ok, I LIKED this book I know it's a harlequin intrigue but....Dang, it's a good one. First book I've read of Ms. Severn's and it won't be the last. If you read it, it won't disappoint. Dr. Aubrey Flood is a pathologist medical examiner who helped the BAU solve a horrible crime three years ago now, she turns to them when she finds her younger sister's mutilated body, knowing agent/profiler Nicholas James can catch her sister's killer and bring closure for Kara's death...
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June 1, 2021Categories
Romantic Suspense, Crime Thriller, Police Procedural Mystery & Detective
Miniseries
Behavioral Analysis Unit (Book #1)
Romantic Suspense, Crime Thriller, Police Procedural Mystery & Detective
Miniseries
Behavioral Analysis Unit (Book #1)
July 5, 2021
Good start to a new series, this one about a Behavior Analysis Unit of the FBI. This book is about Nicholas, the team's profiler. He has a fantastic record of identifying serial killers, starting with the X Marks the Spot killer. That one was hard on Nicholas because the killer turned out to be his next-door neighbor and like a second father to him. During that case, a crucial piece of evidence was uncovered by the medical examiner, Dr. Aubrey Flood.
Three years later, Aubrey's sister died at the hands of a copycat serial killer. Aubrey insists that Nicholas be the agent to work this case because she knows he's the best. She also refuses to remain uninvolved in the investigation.
The action in this book stayed intense from beginning to end. This case stirs up some hard memories for Nicholas with its resemblance to the original X Marks the Spot's MO. It also makes him even more determined to catch the killer quickly. When the killer strikes again, using the MO of a different serial killer, Nicholas knows he has a challenge on his hands. I could feel his frustration as he realized that this killer has an agenda, and Aubrey is his focus. The detective work fascinated me, from Nicholas trying to get inside his head to Aubrey using her ME skills to notice minute details that may help identify the killer. The part I found frustrating was the number of times the killer outwitted and physically bested the agents. The ending was a nail-biter as the killer almost got away with his plan, but for Aubrey's and Nicholas's determination to save each other. The twists and turns of the case kept me glued to the pages. I did figure out the killer's identity before the end but wondered how they would stop him.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Nicholas and Aubrey. The sparks have been there since the first time they met, though neither did anything about them. When they come together on this case, the time they spend together gives those sparks time to strengthen and grow. I liked that they respect each other's work and can admit when they need help. Both Nicholas and Aubrey have issues that keep them from developing lasting relationships. Aubrey tends to put everyone else's needs before her own, leaving her with nothing for herself. Nicholas's ability to trust disappeared when he realized how his neighbor had manipulated him for so many years. Thanks to Nicholas, Aubrey made changes in her life, but he let her down when it counted most. I wanted to shake Nicholas when he allowed his trust issues to come between him and Aubrey. It was lucky he saw his error as quickly as he did, or things would have turned out very differently. I loved the scene at the hospital as he opened his heart fully to Aubrey.
#netgalley
Three years later, Aubrey's sister died at the hands of a copycat serial killer. Aubrey insists that Nicholas be the agent to work this case because she knows he's the best. She also refuses to remain uninvolved in the investigation.
The action in this book stayed intense from beginning to end. This case stirs up some hard memories for Nicholas with its resemblance to the original X Marks the Spot's MO. It also makes him even more determined to catch the killer quickly. When the killer strikes again, using the MO of a different serial killer, Nicholas knows he has a challenge on his hands. I could feel his frustration as he realized that this killer has an agenda, and Aubrey is his focus. The detective work fascinated me, from Nicholas trying to get inside his head to Aubrey using her ME skills to notice minute details that may help identify the killer. The part I found frustrating was the number of times the killer outwitted and physically bested the agents. The ending was a nail-biter as the killer almost got away with his plan, but for Aubrey's and Nicholas's determination to save each other. The twists and turns of the case kept me glued to the pages. I did figure out the killer's identity before the end but wondered how they would stop him.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Nicholas and Aubrey. The sparks have been there since the first time they met, though neither did anything about them. When they come together on this case, the time they spend together gives those sparks time to strengthen and grow. I liked that they respect each other's work and can admit when they need help. Both Nicholas and Aubrey have issues that keep them from developing lasting relationships. Aubrey tends to put everyone else's needs before her own, leaving her with nothing for herself. Nicholas's ability to trust disappeared when he realized how his neighbor had manipulated him for so many years. Thanks to Nicholas, Aubrey made changes in her life, but he let her down when it counted most. I wanted to shake Nicholas when he allowed his trust issues to come between him and Aubrey. It was lucky he saw his error as quickly as he did, or things would have turned out very differently. I loved the scene at the hospital as he opened his heart fully to Aubrey.
#netgalley
June 13, 2021
Dr. Aubrey Flood is a renowned medical examiner in Seattle. Three years ago she provided the critical insight which led to capturing the X Marks the Spot serial killer. That man killed one woman per year and had gotten away with it for thirty years. Now seemingly she is suffering the consequences. A copycat killer has left an X Marks the Spot map on her apartment door which led her to the discovery of her murdered sister's body. Aubrey asks for FBI Special Agent Nicholas James to lead the investigation into her sister's murderer since he was the lead investigator in the X Marks the Spot investigation. What transpires as they work the case together leads them to life-threatening situations. And perhaps Aubrey can acknowledge that she is falling for Nicholas.
Special Agent Nicholas James is a top profiler for the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit in Seattle. His profiling work along with an assist from medical examiner Dr. Aubrey Flood led to catching the X Marks the Spot serial killer, Cole Pressley. The fact that Cole Pressley was Nicholas' next door neighbor while growing up and had become a father figure for him made the discovery of Pressley's evil nature a trust shattering experience. Working again with Dr. Aubrey Flood after the murder of her sister gave Nicholas a chance to explore his attraction to Aubrey. The life-threatening experiences they survived together cemented his realization of his love for Aubrey. But can he trust that feeling?
Profiling a Killer by Nichole Severn is the first book in Harlequin's continuity series, Behavioral Analysis Unit. This was a fast-paced and chilling read. Aubrey and Nicholas face a serial killer without a predictable MO. This hampers them in their investigation. The fact that Aubrey's sister is one of the serial killer's victims makes it personal. I got chills reading this storyline. Aubrey and Nicholas faced so much danger together. They both discovered truths about themselves as the investigation evolved. Nicholas' trust issues were extremely difficult to overcome. I like all the characters in this story and look forward to their books.
How easily can trust be broken?
I received an ARC in exchange for a honest review.
Special Agent Nicholas James is a top profiler for the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit in Seattle. His profiling work along with an assist from medical examiner Dr. Aubrey Flood led to catching the X Marks the Spot serial killer, Cole Pressley. The fact that Cole Pressley was Nicholas' next door neighbor while growing up and had become a father figure for him made the discovery of Pressley's evil nature a trust shattering experience. Working again with Dr. Aubrey Flood after the murder of her sister gave Nicholas a chance to explore his attraction to Aubrey. The life-threatening experiences they survived together cemented his realization of his love for Aubrey. But can he trust that feeling?
Profiling a Killer by Nichole Severn is the first book in Harlequin's continuity series, Behavioral Analysis Unit. This was a fast-paced and chilling read. Aubrey and Nicholas face a serial killer without a predictable MO. This hampers them in their investigation. The fact that Aubrey's sister is one of the serial killer's victims makes it personal. I got chills reading this storyline. Aubrey and Nicholas faced so much danger together. They both discovered truths about themselves as the investigation evolved. Nicholas' trust issues were extremely difficult to overcome. I like all the characters in this story and look forward to their books.
How easily can trust be broken?
I received an ARC in exchange for a honest review.
June 25, 2021
I couldn't put this book down!
The action starts off strong and never lets up in this romantic thriller. Nicholas and Aubrey first met three years prior working a serial killer case, and now an apparent copycat killer has claimed Aubrey's sister as a way of drawing her out. Nicholas is an FBI agent who specializes in getting into the minds of the killers, while Aubrey is the city's medical examiner whose careful attention to detail helped identify the killer on their first case together. Now, she's driven to work this case for her sister, but as a potential victim Nicholas is trying to keep her safe.
I really enjoyed the easy working relationship these two had, and how they challenged each other to move beyond their emotional comfort zones. This was instrumental in laying the foundation for their romance, which grew quickly due to the intensity of the danger they faced during the investigation.
There are plenty of details of the killings and attempted killings, so this is not a book for the squeamish. It's not overdone, though - just enough to really understand the inner strength required for them each to survive to see justice done. The HEA focused more on that justice and less on the romance, as did the entire book, but there's no doubt about either Nicholas's or Aubrey's feelings by the end.
This was an exciting, non-stop read for me. I loved getting into the hearts and minds of the main characters, and I was completely drawn into the details of the case. I'm looking forward to reading more in this thrilling series. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
The action starts off strong and never lets up in this romantic thriller. Nicholas and Aubrey first met three years prior working a serial killer case, and now an apparent copycat killer has claimed Aubrey's sister as a way of drawing her out. Nicholas is an FBI agent who specializes in getting into the minds of the killers, while Aubrey is the city's medical examiner whose careful attention to detail helped identify the killer on their first case together. Now, she's driven to work this case for her sister, but as a potential victim Nicholas is trying to keep her safe.
I really enjoyed the easy working relationship these two had, and how they challenged each other to move beyond their emotional comfort zones. This was instrumental in laying the foundation for their romance, which grew quickly due to the intensity of the danger they faced during the investigation.
There are plenty of details of the killings and attempted killings, so this is not a book for the squeamish. It's not overdone, though - just enough to really understand the inner strength required for them each to survive to see justice done. The HEA focused more on that justice and less on the romance, as did the entire book, but there's no doubt about either Nicholas's or Aubrey's feelings by the end.
This was an exciting, non-stop read for me. I loved getting into the hearts and minds of the main characters, and I was completely drawn into the details of the case. I'm looking forward to reading more in this thrilling series. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
July 7, 2021
I received a complimentary copy of this book and I purchased a copy as I loved it so much.
This book is one that just grabs you right from the beginning and doesn't let go until the end. I really could have gladly kept on reading more of this couple. This is a wonderful beginning for a new series.
Dr. Aubrey Flood finds a map taped to the door to her apartment. Unfortunately it leads to her sister's, Kara, deceased body. Three years prior Dr. Flood worked on a serial murder case with BAU profiler Nicholas James. Aubrey has complete trust that the profiler will be able to bring Kara's murderer to justice and request that he lead the investigation.
What these two people go through at the hands of the killer really test their grit, strength and determination. I adored the dual POV format as it allowed me to see into the characters' thoughts. This helped me to fully understand them so much better and become more immersed into the story. The plot flowed nicely and I really felt that I was right now in the middle of everything.
There was just some kissing between the two characters so it shouldn't offend anyone.
This book is one that just grabs you right from the beginning and doesn't let go until the end. I really could have gladly kept on reading more of this couple. This is a wonderful beginning for a new series.
Dr. Aubrey Flood finds a map taped to the door to her apartment. Unfortunately it leads to her sister's, Kara, deceased body. Three years prior Dr. Flood worked on a serial murder case with BAU profiler Nicholas James. Aubrey has complete trust that the profiler will be able to bring Kara's murderer to justice and request that he lead the investigation.
What these two people go through at the hands of the killer really test their grit, strength and determination. I adored the dual POV format as it allowed me to see into the characters' thoughts. This helped me to fully understand them so much better and become more immersed into the story. The plot flowed nicely and I really felt that I was right now in the middle of everything.
There was just some kissing between the two characters so it shouldn't offend anyone.
June 7, 2021
A new series by Ms. Severn. I enjoyed immediately. Characters were great, plot line was awesome.
When Special Agent Nicholas James with the BAU faces another serial killer it’s not easy because Dr. Aubrey Flood the medical examiner put away someone he knew when he grew up. If only he knew.
But this time around it’s personal for Ms. Flood. Her sister is murdered. He vows he will do whatever can he to protect her.
Dr. Flood will stop at nothing to find her sisters killer. While Agent James and his team are on the case he stays close. She can’t let her feelings go with this case, because it’s personal for her. She already can’t be there for the autopsy. The more time Nicholas and her spend time her feelings for him can’t be stopped. She doesn’t know if he feels the same. They have to find the killer before he strikes again. While pieces of the investigation come together it gets very interesting.
Buy the book and see what happens.
I can’t wait for the next books. All written by different authors.
When Special Agent Nicholas James with the BAU faces another serial killer it’s not easy because Dr. Aubrey Flood the medical examiner put away someone he knew when he grew up. If only he knew.
But this time around it’s personal for Ms. Flood. Her sister is murdered. He vows he will do whatever can he to protect her.
Dr. Flood will stop at nothing to find her sisters killer. While Agent James and his team are on the case he stays close. She can’t let her feelings go with this case, because it’s personal for her. She already can’t be there for the autopsy. The more time Nicholas and her spend time her feelings for him can’t be stopped. She doesn’t know if he feels the same. They have to find the killer before he strikes again. While pieces of the investigation come together it gets very interesting.
Buy the book and see what happens.
I can’t wait for the next books. All written by different authors.
June 26, 2021
Agent Nicholas is working on his newest case that seems familiar to an old one. Unfortunately for Dr. Aubrey sister was murdered by that serial killer and wants to do everything she can to find that person behind it because he's leaving a trail similar to other well known serial killers and it seems that Aubrey is in the killers sights.
I love a good mystery suspense novel and this book was perfect for me. It was short for one so perfect beach side read when you don't want to carry around a tome around. I loved that there was so much going on. There were plenty of leads and questions as to how this person was getting away with this. There was a press for time because with every body there was a lead to another one. Soon enough when it become apparent that Aubrey is a target theres the wonder of when the person would strike and how. Theres just so much to love about this book and I reocmmend you lovely readers who love a good mystery suspense novel to check this book out.
I love a good mystery suspense novel and this book was perfect for me. It was short for one so perfect beach side read when you don't want to carry around a tome around. I loved that there was so much going on. There were plenty of leads and questions as to how this person was getting away with this. There was a press for time because with every body there was a lead to another one. Soon enough when it become apparent that Aubrey is a target theres the wonder of when the person would strike and how. Theres just so much to love about this book and I reocmmend you lovely readers who love a good mystery suspense novel to check this book out.
June 27, 2021
4 1/2 STARS!
High intensity action! With the first book in the Behavioral Analysis Unit series Nichole Severn starts the action off quickly in PROFILING A KILLER. The suspense is top notch and though there wasn't a lot of relationship development, the book held my attention and kept me guessing throughout. I'm looking forward to more to come from this team.
Aubrey is a solid character with her medical examiner expertise, but the death of her sister brings another aspect of her to the surface as an emotionally charged case ensues.
Nicholas is carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders right now, so meeting and connecting with Aubrey is good for him even though it brings another serial killer onto his radar.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes an intense mystery with a side of romance. I can't wait to see what this team has in store for us.
High intensity action! With the first book in the Behavioral Analysis Unit series Nichole Severn starts the action off quickly in PROFILING A KILLER. The suspense is top notch and though there wasn't a lot of relationship development, the book held my attention and kept me guessing throughout. I'm looking forward to more to come from this team.
Aubrey is a solid character with her medical examiner expertise, but the death of her sister brings another aspect of her to the surface as an emotionally charged case ensues.
Nicholas is carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders right now, so meeting and connecting with Aubrey is good for him even though it brings another serial killer onto his radar.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes an intense mystery with a side of romance. I can't wait to see what this team has in store for us.
April 13, 2022
If you are a fan of Criminal Minds and that type of story, you will enjoy this book. It is action packed from the very first pages. The main characters in the story are Special Agent Nicholas James and Dr. Aubrey Flood. There is a serial killer on the loose, and one of the victims hits a little too close to home. The BAU specialist and the medical examiner work together to untangle the wicked web of pure evil that the killer has woven. It is a race against time to catch him before he strikes again. This was a great story that was full steam ahead from beginning to end. The author provided several "suspects" for you, as the reader, to choose from. The twists just keep coming. It is also a short, easy read. If you like a good thriller/mystery, you will enjoy reading this one. This is book #1 of 4 in the Behavior Analysis Unit series.
March 17, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. It is the first installment of the Behavioral Analysis Unit series.
The key players: Nicholas James, FBI special agent whose specialty is profiling serial killers.
Aubrey Flood, medical examiner who helps the BAU find evidence to make the case against the criminals.
Situation: Dr. Flood requests the BAU take charge of her sister’s murder when she expects the murderer to be a copycat who is using true crime novels to copy the people idolized by the new killer.
The copycat killer: Dr. Archer Caldwell, co-worker and medical examiner of Aubrey Flood. He has it out for Aubrey and Nicholas because he felt like the chief medical examiner position should have been his.
I would definitely recommend this book and this series.
The key players: Nicholas James, FBI special agent whose specialty is profiling serial killers.
Aubrey Flood, medical examiner who helps the BAU find evidence to make the case against the criminals.
Situation: Dr. Flood requests the BAU take charge of her sister’s murder when she expects the murderer to be a copycat who is using true crime novels to copy the people idolized by the new killer.
The copycat killer: Dr. Archer Caldwell, co-worker and medical examiner of Aubrey Flood. He has it out for Aubrey and Nicholas because he felt like the chief medical examiner position should have been his.
I would definitely recommend this book and this series.
June 26, 2021
Disappointing. The hero's skills as a profiler were laughable. The entire BAU team looked incompetent. The villain was more skilled than the hero and his team(Don't even know how! He should have been part of the BAU team. He had the smarts and was a better profiler than the hero.) He managed to knock out 2 members of hero's team(leads of subsequent books) and also the hero.
The heroine managed to save the hero but she got caught by the villain because of that. (It was funny because the hero and his team were supposed to protect her.)
Sadly, the villain's identity was predictable.
I am not even going to say anything about the "love" story.
These 2 stars are for the heroine.
The heroine managed to save the hero but she got caught by the villain because of that. (It was funny because the hero and his team were supposed to protect her.)
Sadly, the villain's identity was predictable.
I am not even going to say anything about the "love" story.
These 2 stars are for the heroine.
July 1, 2021
The gripping first book in a series about a Behavior Analysis Unit of the FBI. Each book is about a different team of this unit and written by a different author. This first one has the most successful profiler paired up with the Medical Examiner after she finds the body of a relative. The two of them track the murderer down but they get roughed up a bit getting there. I was glued to my seat trying to solve the case and worried about the partners. There were so many details in this book between the fight scenes and crime scenes. I truly felt like I was part of the book. I was given an early copy by the author and have provided my review voluntarily.
June 5, 2021
Profiling A Killer
Behavioural Analysis Unit
Harlequin Intrigue
Nichole Severn
Intense
An unbelievably strong heroine and a focused hero make this book fell so connected and real. Whilst I did pick the baddie, there were enough twist to question my theory throughout. Heavy on the suspense but balanced with the right amount of sweet, light romance.
This book is the first in a new series centred around an FBI BAU team in Seattle, it can be read as a stand-alone short novel with hea.
I received an arc of this book.
5 intense stars
Behavioural Analysis Unit
Harlequin Intrigue
Nichole Severn
Intense
An unbelievably strong heroine and a focused hero make this book fell so connected and real. Whilst I did pick the baddie, there were enough twist to question my theory throughout. Heavy on the suspense but balanced with the right amount of sweet, light romance.
This book is the first in a new series centred around an FBI BAU team in Seattle, it can be read as a stand-alone short novel with hea.
I received an arc of this book.
5 intense stars
July 4, 2021
Profiling a Killer by Nichole Severn is the first book in the behavioral Analysis Unit and I really loved it!
It’s fast paced, has twist and turns and a great plot!
Nicholas is a profiler with the Behavioral Analysis Unit and Aubrey is a medical examiner, together they try to find Aubrey’s sister’s killer.
I don’t want to give away spoilers so you just have to read it and find out what happens next.
I truly enjoyed this awesome romantic suspense and Nichole Severn is one of my favorite author’s.
I received this arc from the author and this review is my honest opinion.
July 9, 2021
I have to admit HQI stories have always been the books you read and review because there isn't much to the stories they are short and sweet AKA filler when you need something to read and forget.
To my surprise this story will stick with reads and the non stop action from the beginning to the end of the book that will have readers excited for the next book in the series. The characters are are flushed out and almost realistic that readers could put there feet in the shoes of the lead and know what they are feeling.
Thank you to Netgalley for a copy of Nichole Severn Profiling a Killer
To my surprise this story will stick with reads and the non stop action from the beginning to the end of the book that will have readers excited for the next book in the series. The characters are are flushed out and almost realistic that readers could put there feet in the shoes of the lead and know what they are feeling.
Thank you to Netgalley for a copy of Nichole Severn Profiling a Killer
June 9, 2021
Review of "Profiling a Killer" by Nicole Severn. First book of Nicole's I've read but won't be last. Nicolas James is a profiler of killers. Aubrey is a medical examiner of victims. There are times when both Nicolas and Aubrey save each other's lives. Also the survival instinct shows the strength to survive. There is murders. Romance. and lots of danger. But clean read. I definitely recommend if you like crime suspense.
June 25, 2021
Profiling A Killer is the first book in a new series by Nichole Severn, as with all her books she does and outstanding job pulling the reader in. The book was hard to put down once I had the time to start reading it. Action packed this book brings together Aubrey and Nicholas as they search for a serial killer. I certainly would recommend this book to everyone. I received an ARC from the author and publisher, and this is my fair and honest review.
June 29, 2021
I really loved this one!! The tension was steady and kept me on edge as i could not stop reading. I loved both main characters so dedicated to their job they were forgetting the essential. I loved how they were building their trust slowly but surely being honest to each other and their courage is admirable....not sure i could jump in danger like Aubrey did and Nicholas' abilities is very intriguing.
I can't wait to continue this series if the quality stay the same it's more than worth it!
I can't wait to continue this series if the quality stay the same it's more than worth it!
June 30, 2021
Since I watch shows that profile I figured this one would be a good fit for me. It is also a beginning to a series. Nicholas is the one who can analyze any serial killer. He has a interesting history also. Now though a college from the past has a sister that is murdered. It is also a high stakes case. Aubrey and him are also drawn to each other which makes this even more important that the killer get caught. Turn the pages on this toe tingler and hope Aubrey isn't a victim.
July 10, 2021
Gripping read with a fast-paced storyline and compelling characters; Nichole Severn starts the new Behavioral Analysis Unit series with a bang. I enjoyed the interaction between the characters as well as the plot. There’s plenty of mystery and suspense to keep you guessing along with a dash of romance. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the stories in the series.
*I received an arc from the author and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
*I received an arc from the author and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
June 16, 2021
A great beginning to a new series. The drama and suspense made me finish reading it in one sitting. I gave it four stars because it was clear to me early on who the villain was and I was let down that the villain without saying who it is was continually shown to be physically stronger than trained FBI agents - a little unrealistic to me.
June 28, 2021
Nicolas James and Aubrey Flood
Nicholas is a special agent with The FBI in charge of The Behavioral
Analysis Unit.
Aubrey is a medical examiner.
Nicholas and Aubrey save each other lives. They both have good survival
Instincts.
There is a lot of suspense, danger and emotions.
I recommend this book if you like crime drama.
Nicholas is a special agent with The FBI in charge of The Behavioral
Analysis Unit.
Aubrey is a medical examiner.
Nicholas and Aubrey save each other lives. They both have good survival
Instincts.
There is a lot of suspense, danger and emotions.
I recommend this book if you like crime drama.
July 4, 2021
This story was frightening but once you start reading you are hooked. Audrey and Nicholas work well together, they understand the procedure but always try to protect each other even when it puts their lives in danger. I enjoyed the story, the twisted plot and the relationship between Audrey and Nicholas.
February 17, 2022
I requested this book because Criminal Minds is one of my favorite shows and I thought this book would be a good read. I liked the book. I tried to go in with an open mind that this wouldn't be like Criminal Minds and to enjoy the story for what it was. And I did. Some parts were cringey but overall, I loved the suspense and thrills I got from the book. Thank you Netgalley for the arc!
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