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.

Loved this book it hooks you in from the very first page with the reclusive Aidan Cullen, a very successful crime writer who is very happy in his reclusive home and his dog as he was stabbed several times and left for dead years ago, but is dragged back into the world when a murder near where he lives pulls him into a chilling investigation, as there are more murders he thinks he could be the next target.

The story is very good the paranoia is palpable and the stakes keep climbing and blurs the line between obsession and insight.

Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Collins for an ARC

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!

Third standalone thriller by Michael Wood and excellent as usual.
Reminiscent of The Woman who Lied by CLAIRE DOUGLAS but much better done.
Really enjoyed the mystery and started to guess the ending but didn't spoil it.
Highly recommended!

I will say this book had such a unique premise that I don’t think I’ve seen before. The main character is an author and crimes start happening based on his novels. Not to mention he was a victim of a crime himself and now a recluse. I loved, as always, Michael Wood’s writing style and it kept me guessing. I may have had an idea towards the end of what was going to happen, but it ended up being way twistier and sinister than expected. 4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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.

I thoroughly enjoyed this stand alone book. Michael Wood produces excellent stories and I’m more familiar with Matilda Darke and Olivia Winter. I found the character of Aiden disturbing but, of course, everything became clear. Let’s hope Michael Wood didn’t draw from personal experience 🤣

Thanks to Michael and NetGalley for allowing me to read Chapter One before the publication date.

Michael uses some interesting techniques in writing this quirky story about Aidan Cullen, a reclusive crime fiction author.
The victim of a knife attack 6 years earlier, Cullen is paranoid and agoraphobic, afraid of his own shadow and living in a house which he has turned into a prison.

As each real murder is investigated, Michael has woven the first chapter from one of Aidan’s books into the storyline.

It is a dark tale in which the suspense builds from the first page as the reader is given insight into Cullen’s mind.

I have enjoyed the DCI Matilda Darke series more than the standalone books.

Aiden Cullen is an enigma - a reclusive best-selling author, who hasn't been seen in public in six years since he was stabbed after an event celebrating his first book's publication. But now, his sleepy life in rural Derbyshire is being impeded upon - someone is recreating the murders from the opening chapters of his books, and it puts Aiden and his friend Luke in the crosshairs of the local police. Is someone out to get Aiden, or is there more than we're being told?

I'm a huge fan of Michael Wood's work, so I was very excited to read his latest book - especially given it was the first book he wrote and has previously been audio-exclusive. It's a good book, but I think it misses a little of the breakneck pacing his more recent releases have had. 4*.

Chapter one is an audiobook that is being released as a book in July. I really enjoyed it at first and couldn’t put it down but then I saw where the twist was going and it really ruined it for me as I was then analysing everything with the twist in mind. I definitely want to listen to the audiobook as it has lots of great reviews. Overall good book but not my favourite of Michael’s.

Thank you to One more chapter and NetGalley for my ARC.

Chapter One by Michael Wood is a standalone. It was previously published as an audiobook only and will be published as an ebook on 25 July. Thank you to Netgalley, One More Chapter and the author for the advance copy to review. Aiden Cullen is an author. He is nearly killed after a knife attack and becomes a recluse. Nanook, a white German Shepherd, is his faithful companion and his only friend is Luke, who he has known since university days. Over a period, a series of murders bearing a striking resemblance to the murders he writes about in his books, happens near his house. Aiden’s fear is palpable, and this was a very tense read. The writing is terrific, and this also adds to the tension too. You can see how difficult he finds it to speak about what happened to him years ago and the fear he feels, the anxiety. His life is starting to unravel as he questions what is happening, and the big question is why. It was such a fabulous read, and I found myself feeling so sorry for Aiden with his insecurities, paranoia and being so isolated. It all falls into place in a twisted way. It made me thankful for my friendships and having those friends to talk to if needed.

Thanks to Netgalley and Harper Collins Publishing for the ARC of this book.
Another fantastic book by Michael Wood featuring Aiden, a writer. The story really draws you in and you feel an overwhelming empathy with Aiden living alone so much with only Nanook for company. As it went on I began to think there was something odd about Luke but not the actual reason for that.
Can't wait for the next book.

Best selling author Aidan Cullen hasn’t left the safety of his remote home for 5 years, living there with his German Shepherd Nanook following an assault that nearly killed him. When a murder is committed near to where he lives, he begins to doubt his sanity, his paranoia surfacing so that he trusts no one and believes people are spying on him.

Another well written and authentic feeling read from Michael Wood, delving into levels of paranoia that begin to feel uncomfortably real and close to home, for anyone who lives alone. A creepy, psychological thriller that is a tense read. I didn’t like Aidan, who feels a bit too self absorbed, and at times the pace drags a bit. I did manage to work out the twist but it’s a book I still needed to finish.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.

This latest standalone thriller by Michael wood totally messed my mind. It had me hooked from the first to the last page. It's full of many twists and turns .
I loved the idea of it being a story based on an author and including first chapters of his book .
Definitely read this one .

5 Stars from me ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The best word I can come up with for this book is sublime. It is just perfect, and while it is a terrific read, it is also incredible to listen to. There is something about the tortured voice of the author in this story that my mind would not have conjured up on its own and it absolutely brings the story to vivid life.

I could feel Aidan's pain emanating from within the pages, the author's ability to convey anxiety, trauma, introspection and self-doubt is to be applauded. Chapter One is a work of genius. I was hooked and found myself driving slower to enjoy ‘one more chapter’. I absolutely loved my journeys with this book.

I never like to give spoilers so I will just say that I loved everything about this book, I loved the central characters, I loved the atmosphere, I appreciated the time spent building up even the most peripheral of characters, and this is such a trademark of Michael Wood, his characterisation is flawless.

I cannot recommend his books enough and if you’ve yet to enjoy the Matilda Darke series, then I envy you!

An engrossing stand alone novel which tells the story of crime writer, Aiden, and how the plots of his novels are being recreated in murders a little too close to home.

I read ‘chapter one’ very quickly as I did not want to put it down and enjoyed every page. Suspenseful, exciting and intriguing. I would recommend Michael Wood’s latest novel to all fans of crime fiction.

I have no words !! What did I just read!! This was amazing literally blew me away
I’m also super creeped out !!
Absolutely smashed it I’m a huge fan of micheal woods but this one was mind blowing 🤯

First things first, I'm a huge fan of both Michael Wood's "Mathilda Darke & Olivia Winter series of books and the opportunity to read a new standalone book by this this author was a exciting prospect and huge thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
This book differs in my opinion from the typical Michael Wood publication in that there are literally only a handful of characters, the main one being a reclusive author, Aidan Cullen who after years of trying to get a book published finally succeeds. To celebrate he gathers his old friends from university to celebrate but the evening goes horribly wrong and the night ends in disaster for him when he is stabbed several times in the pub car park.
Fast forward five years and Cullen is now a successful author with several best sellers to his name but living as a complete recluse in the countryside when a woman is killed in circumstances similar to a murder in his first book. Is someone targeting him, trying to set him up or is he ultimately the target ?
A strong storyline with a real twist along the way.
If you like a psychological thriller, then this is for you.

Absolutely loved this book! The story was original and new; the ‘chapter one’ excerpts from the main character’s novels added something else to look forward to while reading. Aidan was a character I felt sorry for, disliked and then felt sorry for again….many times over! By the end I wasn’t sure how to feel about him, this book was THAT good! I thought I had it all figured out, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. Definitely recommended!

Aidan Cullen is a successful best-selling thriller author. He is also a recluse. A brutal knife attack has left him paranoid and terrified of anything outside of his isolated and highly secured house. He almost no human contact except with his agent, therapist, and best friend Luke. When a woman is murdered within view of his house Aidan is reluctantly curious and is horrified to find that the crime exactly mirrors one from his book. DS Katharine Marshall is the investigating officer and when more murders that mimic Aidan's books occur, they work together to figure out who is stalking Aidan. More strange occurrences hit closer to home and it becomes harder to tell what is real and what is a product of Aidan's delusions. #NetGalley #ChapterOne