Chapter One is a dark and twisted compelling thriller that will have you turning the pages as quickly as you can.

Aidan Cullen is a famous author who suffers from PTSD and is a recluse in his secluded home in a small village and you can bet he is the talk of the town.

When gruesome murders begin to occur and Aidan realizes that someone is using his books as a guidline and he reaches out to the police.

Michael Wood takes you down a twisted and dark path with well developed characters and all the while you just know this isnt going to end well.

Although I did predict the ending the journey to get there was a tense one and I could not put the book down as I rushed to see what transpires.

Michael Wood has written another amazing stand alone thriller that is not to be missed.

Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter for the privilege of reading and reviewing Chapter One .

i was invited to read this and as a fan of Michael woods books i was excited to read a new one
Its a crazy journey following a writer who gets published and stabbed and moves to a secluded location and becomes a recluse and then things start happening hes being stalked and someone is commiting the murders exactly like his books but who???

halfway through i thought i knew where it was heading but wasn't sure how it was going to be done i was kind of right but there were a few twists thrown in.

I was very gripped couldnt out it down i fealt like i was in the room with Aidan feeling his panic and his anxiety

its reallt well written and definately worth the read

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy of this book.

Aidan is a successful crime writer with a speciality in writing thrillers. He lives in a house that has maximum security with his dog Nanook, and occasionally his friend Luke. Aidan is recluse after being stabbed previously. When a murderer starts copycating Aidan’s books he is compelled to tell the police. Then the killer starts to target him!

Oh em gee! Michael Wood has done it again. This had me hooked from the first chapter. In parts scary, definitely got my heart beat up. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. I really felt sorry for Aidan and the fears he had. That really translated off the page and gave me an adrenaline rush. The first chapters of Aidan’s books were also addictive, and in some ways it was disappointing to come back to the main story and not explore these further (future book perhaps?!!). The massive twist in the tale was so unexpected. Once again I finish a Michael Wood book and can’t stop thinking about it. I absolutely loved it and would highly recommend to anyone!

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.