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?
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Chapter One by Michael Wood was published on 14 August 2025 by One More Chapter. My thanks to the author who sent my copy for review.
Michael Wood is the much respected author of the DCI Matilda Darke series and the Dr Olivia Winter series. He's also written a few stand alone stories, and Chapter One is the third of these.
Oh my goodness, I was totally invested in this story line from the very first page. The reader meets Aiden Cullen as he gets a large publishing deal for his debut crime novel, his excitement is palpable. Fast forward to publication day and Aiden has invited some friends to celebrate with him. The evening really doesn't go as planned, his friends are lovely, but don't seem really interested and the evening only really kicks off when Luke, one of the friendship group announces his engagement.
Things get worse and Aiden is brutally attacked as he makes his way back to the car. Stabbed and left for dead.
Five years later Aiden is a successful crime author, with best sellers under his belt. However, his life is one of self imposed isolation. Since the attack he has changed. He lives in a beautiful house in the wilds of the Derbyshire countryside with just his dog for company. The only other person he allows into his life is Luke, often working away from home but alway there to support him. All of his other business is done via the phone, or Zoom.
When a murder happens nearby, Aiden has to let the police in and when another one happens, it soon becomes clear that Aiden, and his stories, may be connected to the deaths. Michael Wood's depiction of Aiden's paranoia and his unsettling behaviour is perfectly done. This is not an explosive, fast moving narrative, it is a wonderfully paced and intricately balanced psychologically chilling story.
There are various, quite unusual themes to this book that give it depth and a sense of individuality. The fact that the lead character Aiden is fairly unlikeable, even though the reader understands his behaviours, it can be difficult to agree with him. I'm also impressed by the author's use of various chapter ones from Aiden's books - explaining the title of the book and also an incredibly clever way of explaining the crime scenes - a really masterful touch!
A novel thick with dread and intense claustrophobia, it is a gripping, dark and thrilling read. Highly recommended by me.
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Instagram @michaelwoodbooks
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