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Dr. Olivia Winter #2
The Devil’s Code
A BRUTAL MURDER
When Isaac McFadden is found with the dismembered body of a young man in the boot of his car, it’s an easy conviction for the jury. But, then a notebook is discovered in Isaac’s house, and the police believe they have a serial killer on their hands.
A CRYPTIC CODE
Within the pages of the notebook is a chart written in a code, which DI Linus Sutton believes holds the location of more bodies. Made up of seemingly random words, numbers and symbols, and with a suspect who is refusing to talk, Sutton enlists the help of Forensic Psychologist Dr Olivia Winter.
THE FINAL GIRL
Having previously survived attacks from two killers, Olivia is the real life ‘final girl�. But can she unlock the code before her luck runs out?
When Isaac McFadden is found with the dismembered body of a young man in the boot of his car, it’s an easy conviction for the jury. But, then a notebook is discovered in Isaac’s house, and the police believe they have a serial killer on their hands.
A CRYPTIC CODE
Within the pages of the notebook is a chart written in a code, which DI Linus Sutton believes holds the location of more bodies. Made up of seemingly random words, numbers and symbols, and with a suspect who is refusing to talk, Sutton enlists the help of Forensic Psychologist Dr Olivia Winter.
THE FINAL GIRL
Having previously survived attacks from two killers, Olivia is the real life ‘final girl�. But can she unlock the code before her luck runs out?
477 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 28, 2025
98 people are currently reading
203 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
February 6, 2025
Dr Olivia Winter is a forensic psychologist whose job is to understand the minds of serial killers.
This time around she’s brought in to help DI Linus Sutton of Northumbria Police, who believes they may have a serial killer on their hands.
Isaac McFadden was driving along the A1 near Newcastle when he was pulled in by the police, and when asked to open the boot of his car, he seemed awfully reluctant. The reason soon becomes evident, because Isaac has bags of body parts in there!
A search of his home reveals a journal that points to him being a serial killer. The journal shows pages of cryptic clues, alongside what appears to be trophies of his victims, and DI Sutton, Olivia, and assistant DC Ryan Sweetland, are really going to be tested by this horrific case.
This is a chilling read, with the tension becoming unbearable at times, but it’s deeply engaging and thought provoking, not to mention very clever. It goes without saying that it is well written (Well Michael Wood wrote it)! Highly recommended.
*I was invited to read The Devil’s Code by the publisher and have given an honest unbiased review in exchange *
This time around she’s brought in to help DI Linus Sutton of Northumbria Police, who believes they may have a serial killer on their hands.
Isaac McFadden was driving along the A1 near Newcastle when he was pulled in by the police, and when asked to open the boot of his car, he seemed awfully reluctant. The reason soon becomes evident, because Isaac has bags of body parts in there!
A search of his home reveals a journal that points to him being a serial killer. The journal shows pages of cryptic clues, alongside what appears to be trophies of his victims, and DI Sutton, Olivia, and assistant DC Ryan Sweetland, are really going to be tested by this horrific case.
This is a chilling read, with the tension becoming unbearable at times, but it’s deeply engaging and thought provoking, not to mention very clever. It goes without saying that it is well written (Well Michael Wood wrote it)! Highly recommended.
*I was invited to read The Devil’s Code by the publisher and have given an honest unbiased review in exchange *
January 7, 2025
1/3/24
It’s dreadful weather and Isaac McFadden is driving on the A1 in the North East listening to The Big O when he sees blue lights flashing behind him. Has he been speeding? Will he be over the limit? A fraught conversation ensues resulting in the officer realising Isaac does not want him to see what’s in his boot and Isaac appreciating that he shouldn’t have gone out tonight. The game is up.
14/12/24
At his trial, Isaac is inevitably found guilty. Has a serial killer in the making been foiled? Discoveries made by his daughter Eleanor suggests otherwise and she calls DI Linus Sutton who enlists forensic psychologist Dr Olivia Winter to interpret what has been unearthed. Olivia is a survivor, can her ‘luck� hold? She’s looked evil in the eye and lived.
If you’ve read Michael Wood before, you’ll fully appreciate the anticipation of starting a new novel. I didn’t think he could better the Matilda Darke series which I love but I think he might have hit the jackpot again with this one. It grabs me right from the start, keeps my attention fully engaged and takes me on a dark, fast paced rollercoaster ride of twists, turns and shocks in another brilliant chiller of a thriller. There are so many layers to it as well as the obvious investigation pursued by DI Sutton, Olivia and very able assisted by DC Ryan Sweetland who I hope we meet again. There is a clever, devious, horrifying puzzle to crack that requires them to be at the top of their game and places them in great danger.
It’s very much character driven, obviously central is Olivia and I find her increasingly fascinating as the past very much impacts on her, she carries a great deal of pain and is permanently on her guard. Perhaps the only person she can fully relax with is her partner Sebastian Lister at the Behavioural Science Administration and I really like their relationship and the trust that lies between them. Stanley the dachshund is also very important in her life.
Another interesting layer is the impact and fallout of Isaac‘s crimes on his daughter Eleanor and how she handles this burden. Nobody knows how they would cope when placed in a terrible situation such as Eleanor finds herself in and she’s very conflicted.
I like the ‘true crime� angle too which gives much food for thought and as this type of drama is becoming increasingly common on tv, the storyline here makes you think of its ramifications.
Overall, Michael Wood has knocked it out of St James Park and nicely set us up for Number 3. If you are a fan of mystery thrillers and haven’t read this author before, what are you waiting for?!
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HarperCollins, One More Chapter for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
It’s dreadful weather and Isaac McFadden is driving on the A1 in the North East listening to The Big O when he sees blue lights flashing behind him. Has he been speeding? Will he be over the limit? A fraught conversation ensues resulting in the officer realising Isaac does not want him to see what’s in his boot and Isaac appreciating that he shouldn’t have gone out tonight. The game is up.
14/12/24
At his trial, Isaac is inevitably found guilty. Has a serial killer in the making been foiled? Discoveries made by his daughter Eleanor suggests otherwise and she calls DI Linus Sutton who enlists forensic psychologist Dr Olivia Winter to interpret what has been unearthed. Olivia is a survivor, can her ‘luck� hold? She’s looked evil in the eye and lived.
If you’ve read Michael Wood before, you’ll fully appreciate the anticipation of starting a new novel. I didn’t think he could better the Matilda Darke series which I love but I think he might have hit the jackpot again with this one. It grabs me right from the start, keeps my attention fully engaged and takes me on a dark, fast paced rollercoaster ride of twists, turns and shocks in another brilliant chiller of a thriller. There are so many layers to it as well as the obvious investigation pursued by DI Sutton, Olivia and very able assisted by DC Ryan Sweetland who I hope we meet again. There is a clever, devious, horrifying puzzle to crack that requires them to be at the top of their game and places them in great danger.
It’s very much character driven, obviously central is Olivia and I find her increasingly fascinating as the past very much impacts on her, she carries a great deal of pain and is permanently on her guard. Perhaps the only person she can fully relax with is her partner Sebastian Lister at the Behavioural Science Administration and I really like their relationship and the trust that lies between them. Stanley the dachshund is also very important in her life.
Another interesting layer is the impact and fallout of Isaac‘s crimes on his daughter Eleanor and how she handles this burden. Nobody knows how they would cope when placed in a terrible situation such as Eleanor finds herself in and she’s very conflicted.
I like the ‘true crime� angle too which gives much food for thought and as this type of drama is becoming increasingly common on tv, the storyline here makes you think of its ramifications.
Overall, Michael Wood has knocked it out of St James Park and nicely set us up for Number 3. If you are a fan of mystery thrillers and haven’t read this author before, what are you waiting for?!
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HarperCollins, One More Chapter for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
February 3, 2025
This is book 2 in this fantastic series and one of my favourite authors. After a police stop, a body was found dismembered in the boot of a car, and the killer was arrested. his daughter, finds a notebook in his house containing a code with the help of psychologist DR Olivia winter whos father is a serial killer who killed her family help to crack the code as they suspect there are more victims.will she uncover the truth? Another brilliant crime read keeps you guessing till the end.looking forward to the next instalment and more of his fantastic books..five star review..
January 26, 2025
Oh my word! The Mind of a Murderer was my first Michael Wood book, and since then I have started his Matilda Drake series. I have eagerly been waiting for the second Olivia Winter book, and The Devils Code did not disappoint. This book is brilliant, just so clever and so addictive. I do enjoy a serial killer case and these books are just detailed and thought provoking.
Olivia is drawn into a case in Newcastle, when a journal is discovered in the home of Isaac McFadden by his daughter after his arrest and incarceration. Isaac was pulled over and bags of body parts were discovered in his boot. Now it seems that was not the first of his crimes. In the notebook is a cryptic code, that along with the box of trophies, have Olivia determined to find the truth.
I loved that Olivia was working with a different team this time. DI Sutton and DC Ryan Sweetland were both really interesting characters, and the 3 of them worked really well together. All of them have their demos, Olivia more than anyone, but they use them together to find the clues and try to crack the code.
Olivia is still and always will be dealing with her past, and a TV drama about her father about to air is hard for her to avoid. Losing herself in a new case is just what she needs. I love learning more about her and look forward to more in book 3. These books are intense and extremely dark and messy, just as I like them.
Another easy 5 star read from a new auto read author for me. Thank you so much to Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter for introducing me to Michael Wood. Publishes on March 28th
Olivia is drawn into a case in Newcastle, when a journal is discovered in the home of Isaac McFadden by his daughter after his arrest and incarceration. Isaac was pulled over and bags of body parts were discovered in his boot. Now it seems that was not the first of his crimes. In the notebook is a cryptic code, that along with the box of trophies, have Olivia determined to find the truth.
I loved that Olivia was working with a different team this time. DI Sutton and DC Ryan Sweetland were both really interesting characters, and the 3 of them worked really well together. All of them have their demos, Olivia more than anyone, but they use them together to find the clues and try to crack the code.
Olivia is still and always will be dealing with her past, and a TV drama about her father about to air is hard for her to avoid. Losing herself in a new case is just what she needs. I love learning more about her and look forward to more in book 3. These books are intense and extremely dark and messy, just as I like them.
Another easy 5 star read from a new auto read author for me. Thank you so much to Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter for introducing me to Michael Wood. Publishes on March 28th
April 4, 2025
Really gruesome!
January 23, 2025
I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher in return for an honest review. This review is based entirely on my own thoughts and feelings.
Overall rating : 5*
Writing skill : 5*
Plot: 5*
Pace: 5*
Characters: 5*
All the body parts: 5*
I’ve just finished reading this book and oh boy what a rollercoaster. It’s second in a series but can absolutely be read as a stand alone. It’s got twists, it’s got turns, it’s got blood, it’s got body parts. What more could you possibly want?! I also gave book one 5 stars, so if you’re a thriller lover, crime procedural connoisseur or a serial killer binger, please pick up this series. 100% for fans of Chris carters Robert Hunter series.
Also, what a way to end the acknowledgments. When the hell is book 3?!?!
Overall rating : 5*
Writing skill : 5*
Plot: 5*
Pace: 5*
Characters: 5*
All the body parts: 5*
I’ve just finished reading this book and oh boy what a rollercoaster. It’s second in a series but can absolutely be read as a stand alone. It’s got twists, it’s got turns, it’s got blood, it’s got body parts. What more could you possibly want?! I also gave book one 5 stars, so if you’re a thriller lover, crime procedural connoisseur or a serial killer binger, please pick up this series. 100% for fans of Chris carters Robert Hunter series.
Also, what a way to end the acknowledgments. When the hell is book 3?!?!
January 8, 2025
Doctor Olivia Winter, forensic psychologist specialist in serial killers (and daughter of a serial killing father who also tried to kill her) is back to help with a new investigation in Newcastle. Issac McFadden is pulled over during a storm and the police find a dismembered body in his trunk. Is this his first kill? Or are there more victims to find?
PROS and CONS:
Doctor Olivia Winter is back in this sequel to Mind of a Murderer (fantastic book - I couldn’t read it fast enough!). This one, while still well written and definitely a thriller, is a bit slower than the last one. A code is discovered during the investigation, and figuring it out occupies many pages in this one - while interesting, it wasn’t quite as compelling as tracking a serial killer’s current movements, etc. Still enjoyed and can’t wait to read #3 when it comes out!
READ IT?
If you’re into graphic police investigations featuring serial killers, then this one’s for you!
4 Stars
PROS and CONS:
Doctor Olivia Winter is back in this sequel to Mind of a Murderer (fantastic book - I couldn’t read it fast enough!). This one, while still well written and definitely a thriller, is a bit slower than the last one. A code is discovered during the investigation, and figuring it out occupies many pages in this one - while interesting, it wasn’t quite as compelling as tracking a serial killer’s current movements, etc. Still enjoyed and can’t wait to read #3 when it comes out!
READ IT?
If you’re into graphic police investigations featuring serial killers, then this one’s for you!
4 Stars
December 16, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK One More Chapter for allowing me access to an ARC of The Devil's Code by Michael Wood. I was beyond excited to read this book after loving book one in the Dr Olivia Winter series.
I am a huge fan of Michael's Matilda Darke and standalone novels., having read all his published books, he is a brilliant author. You know what you are getting from his novels they are dark, complex and character driven.
In this series the main protagonist is Dr Olivia Winter a renowned Forensic Psychologist, an expert in the minds of serial killers. As the daughter and survivor of the serial killer Richard Button she is making it her life's work to understand what makes someone become a serial killer.
In this book DI Linus Sutton from Newcastle asks her to assist with the Issac McFadden case a killer who has recently been convicted of killing Sean Bridger after his car was routinely stopped and bags of body parts were discovered in his boot.
The book is fast paced with twists and turns, red herrings and occasional humour which leads you through this page turner to a tension filled conclusion.
Absolutely brilliant and nicely set up for book three.
I am a huge fan of Michael's Matilda Darke and standalone novels., having read all his published books, he is a brilliant author. You know what you are getting from his novels they are dark, complex and character driven.
In this series the main protagonist is Dr Olivia Winter a renowned Forensic Psychologist, an expert in the minds of serial killers. As the daughter and survivor of the serial killer Richard Button she is making it her life's work to understand what makes someone become a serial killer.
In this book DI Linus Sutton from Newcastle asks her to assist with the Issac McFadden case a killer who has recently been convicted of killing Sean Bridger after his car was routinely stopped and bags of body parts were discovered in his boot.
The book is fast paced with twists and turns, red herrings and occasional humour which leads you through this page turner to a tension filled conclusion.
Absolutely brilliant and nicely set up for book three.
April 17, 2025
Audio version of this 📕- A great addition to the series
March 28, 2025
The only regret I have is that I wish I read this more slowly. Thoroughly enjoyed this.
December 14, 2024
I’m a huge fan of Michael wood’s books. They veer towards the darker side of crime, but my god the author sure knows how’s capturing the readers� attention from the off. You can read The Devil’s Code the second book in the series, as a standalone. But I would recommend you read both. The Devil’s Work is a dark, often brutal, gripping and unsettling psychological thriller that is nigh on impossible to put down.
The book follows forensic psychologist Dr. Olivia Winter as she faces her toughest challenge yet: deciphering a coded notebook linked to suspected serial killer Isaac McFadden, found with a body in his car. McFadden’s case grows increasingly complex as the notebooks suggest more victims.
Olivia, still haunted by Survivor guilt, faces her own vulnerabilities as she delves into the mind of the suspect. Her character brings emotional depth and resilience to the narrative, which is complimented by Michael Wood’s hallmark suspense. The coded notebook at the heart of the narrative adds a layer of mystery which I appreciated keeping the stake high and the tension palatable. It also gives the reader the opportunity to play an ‘arm chair� sleuth and decipher the codes alongside Olivia.
Michael Wood cements his reputation as a master of crime fiction writing. He balances a gripping police procedure with the psychological exploration of a flawed and dangerous, manipulative serial killer’s mind. McFadden’s character actually gave me a couple of nightmares!!! And I call myself a hardened crime thriller reader. The pace is relentless, fuelled by unexpected twists and dark revelations. I absolutely loved The Devil’s Code, and this is a must read for fans who enjoy a dark crime thriller.
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The book follows forensic psychologist Dr. Olivia Winter as she faces her toughest challenge yet: deciphering a coded notebook linked to suspected serial killer Isaac McFadden, found with a body in his car. McFadden’s case grows increasingly complex as the notebooks suggest more victims.
Olivia, still haunted by Survivor guilt, faces her own vulnerabilities as she delves into the mind of the suspect. Her character brings emotional depth and resilience to the narrative, which is complimented by Michael Wood’s hallmark suspense. The coded notebook at the heart of the narrative adds a layer of mystery which I appreciated keeping the stake high and the tension palatable. It also gives the reader the opportunity to play an ‘arm chair� sleuth and decipher the codes alongside Olivia.
Michael Wood cements his reputation as a master of crime fiction writing. He balances a gripping police procedure with the psychological exploration of a flawed and dangerous, manipulative serial killer’s mind. McFadden’s character actually gave me a couple of nightmares!!! And I call myself a hardened crime thriller reader. The pace is relentless, fuelled by unexpected twists and dark revelations. I absolutely loved The Devil’s Code, and this is a must read for fans who enjoy a dark crime thriller.
You can follow me at
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Instagram:
Twitter:
December 11, 2024
The Devil's Code is fast paced, chillingly good and you will want to devour it all in one sitting.
Dr. Olivia Winter who studies serial killers ( almost of victim of not one but two serial killers) is back and investigating one of her toughest challenges to date.
Olivia is dealing with her own battle wounds but when she is brought in to investigate the killer Isaac McFadden and she is determined to solve the mind boggling code he had written down.
Olivia is convinced to break the code will lead them to many other victims.
The atmosphere is tense and with every twist and turn, every body that is found you will be locking your doors and looking over your shoulder.
The Devil's Code is not for the faint hearted and is devilishly clever.
Expect the unexpected with Michael Wood.
You just never know.
My only complaint is I did not want the book to end and I will patiently for Olivia's next intriguing case.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter for the privilege of reading and reviewing The Devil's Code.
Dr. Olivia Winter who studies serial killers ( almost of victim of not one but two serial killers) is back and investigating one of her toughest challenges to date.
Olivia is dealing with her own battle wounds but when she is brought in to investigate the killer Isaac McFadden and she is determined to solve the mind boggling code he had written down.
Olivia is convinced to break the code will lead them to many other victims.
The atmosphere is tense and with every twist and turn, every body that is found you will be locking your doors and looking over your shoulder.
The Devil's Code is not for the faint hearted and is devilishly clever.
Expect the unexpected with Michael Wood.
You just never know.
My only complaint is I did not want the book to end and I will patiently for Olivia's next intriguing case.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter for the privilege of reading and reviewing The Devil's Code.
March 28, 2025
This is book 2 in a series. I love the premise of Olivia be the daughter and survivor of a serial killer. Book 2 has Olivia aiding in an investigation once again and meeting new colleagues. Without giving too much away this was a new dimension for me regarding serial killer dynamics in method so not for the faint of heart be warned. I enjoy this writer and will continue to read this series I highly recommend him though the blood was a little much for me. Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!!
Read
April 13, 2025It seems unlikely a cop is going to get out in drenching rain and cold over a rear light being out. Even so, then why grill about where the guy is going and why? And then the cop offering to help check the light in that kind of weather. Every part of this interaction seems utterly contrived given the weather. If it was regular weather this would be more believable.
If every lecture ends with a personal question why did the class give a collective gasp at the student asking about if Olivia was questioned about the drama they’re making.
There’s no such thing as stage 5 cancer.
It didn’t take Jessica’s murder for Olivia to get involved. She started reading the case files before she knew Jessica was dead.
Would any reporter with two brain cells introduce someone as a forensic psychologist? There’s no way Olivia wouldn’t know, even if just just by name, most of them. Plus it would immediately put her hackles up. Not exactly a good way to get someone to talk to you.
Again with way too much repetition. I had to skip ten mins of audio to get beyond reading the code the first time but then she re-reads it again and starts trying to puzzle it out using the same possibilities as the first time she brainstormed. The amount of times this guy repeats himself is lazy and just trying to stretch for page length count.
Why does the article say it was long after her being wheeled into the ambulance that Olivia’s real ID was found out when she was outed before she was attacked.
For someone who only pays attention to news pertaining to serial killers but wants to avoid all other news why doesn’t she use google notifications for serial killer key terms?
The writer has repeatedly made it an issue that her past is somehow tainting Olivia’s work but it’s not like her work requires her to be unbiased necessarily and everyone has a bias. It just seems like needless and convoluted tripe.
Olivia is very impressed with Ryan because he knew multiple personality was now called DID? He’s a young guy that’s how they would have taught about it now that’s not anything special on his part. What a superficial compliment.
Does Michael know that the cold air can do something other than “blast.�
lol does anyone still have a blu ray player in 2025?
No, that’s not a fact, that the bodies were dismembered in the garage. There is zero evidence to determine that outside of a speck or two of blood they can’t test. That doesn’t qualify as a fact. This is absolutely pure speculation.
Why couldn’t the cop just wait in his car while Olivia talks to the neighbor instead of her taking a cab back?
I understand tea is a big cultural thing there but omg the amount of coffee/tea that they’re constantly drinking they’d be packed full and peeing every two seconds! It’s utterly absurd.
The writer describes her going through her house quietly after coming home from Jessica’s but in the first book she entered the house excitedly and kept calling out for her family.
Why say her dad had plenty of time to kill her before the police arrived when in the first book she could hear the police sirens before she even jumped from the window and she sliced the one cop and the other is said to have dragged him off her.
Well duh of course a photograph would be from 1990s to early 2000s (called the oughts) because prior to that it’s easier to tell it was 80s-early 90s and after was the big switch to digital cameras then cell phones.
Omg how many times are you going to repeat the month/number code list. It’s bad enough the repetition is excessive but this is just aggravating and obnoxious.
Security cameras outside today have night vision as a standard. There should be no reason she can’t see anything on the camera and has to turn on the lights. Even a basic ring doorbell camera has night vision. What’s the point of having a security alert and system when the company doesn’t contact you or automatically dispatch police if they can’t reach you.
If she’s using a digital recorder then she IS recording the sessions. Perhaps the writer meant video recording? Either way recording doesn’t hinder a conversation.
Eleanor is considering seeing her dad in prison, not jail. A jail is short term like where you’re placed before arraignment. Prison is where you go after sentencing.
For someone who has been so emotionally devastated over his wife’s death and anniversary of it he wouldn’t likely be so easy into having sex unless the writer is going for “typical male� which I wouldn’t be surprised about considering he tends to wind up falling into gender tropes.
It’s one thing for them to ruin a crime scene at the tree to determine if it was a body dump but to ruin a second crime scene at the mines is negligent. Once they saw the bag they should have gone out and called csi.
If every lecture ends with a personal question why did the class give a collective gasp at the student asking about if Olivia was questioned about the drama they’re making.
There’s no such thing as stage 5 cancer.
It didn’t take Jessica’s murder for Olivia to get involved. She started reading the case files before she knew Jessica was dead.
Would any reporter with two brain cells introduce someone as a forensic psychologist? There’s no way Olivia wouldn’t know, even if just just by name, most of them. Plus it would immediately put her hackles up. Not exactly a good way to get someone to talk to you.
Again with way too much repetition. I had to skip ten mins of audio to get beyond reading the code the first time but then she re-reads it again and starts trying to puzzle it out using the same possibilities as the first time she brainstormed. The amount of times this guy repeats himself is lazy and just trying to stretch for page length count.
Why does the article say it was long after her being wheeled into the ambulance that Olivia’s real ID was found out when she was outed before she was attacked.
For someone who only pays attention to news pertaining to serial killers but wants to avoid all other news why doesn’t she use google notifications for serial killer key terms?
The writer has repeatedly made it an issue that her past is somehow tainting Olivia’s work but it’s not like her work requires her to be unbiased necessarily and everyone has a bias. It just seems like needless and convoluted tripe.
Olivia is very impressed with Ryan because he knew multiple personality was now called DID? He’s a young guy that’s how they would have taught about it now that’s not anything special on his part. What a superficial compliment.
Does Michael know that the cold air can do something other than “blast.�
lol does anyone still have a blu ray player in 2025?
No, that’s not a fact, that the bodies were dismembered in the garage. There is zero evidence to determine that outside of a speck or two of blood they can’t test. That doesn’t qualify as a fact. This is absolutely pure speculation.
Why couldn’t the cop just wait in his car while Olivia talks to the neighbor instead of her taking a cab back?
I understand tea is a big cultural thing there but omg the amount of coffee/tea that they’re constantly drinking they’d be packed full and peeing every two seconds! It’s utterly absurd.
The writer describes her going through her house quietly after coming home from Jessica’s but in the first book she entered the house excitedly and kept calling out for her family.
Why say her dad had plenty of time to kill her before the police arrived when in the first book she could hear the police sirens before she even jumped from the window and she sliced the one cop and the other is said to have dragged him off her.
Well duh of course a photograph would be from 1990s to early 2000s (called the oughts) because prior to that it’s easier to tell it was 80s-early 90s and after was the big switch to digital cameras then cell phones.
Omg how many times are you going to repeat the month/number code list. It’s bad enough the repetition is excessive but this is just aggravating and obnoxious.
Security cameras outside today have night vision as a standard. There should be no reason she can’t see anything on the camera and has to turn on the lights. Even a basic ring doorbell camera has night vision. What’s the point of having a security alert and system when the company doesn’t contact you or automatically dispatch police if they can’t reach you.
If she’s using a digital recorder then she IS recording the sessions. Perhaps the writer meant video recording? Either way recording doesn’t hinder a conversation.
Eleanor is considering seeing her dad in prison, not jail. A jail is short term like where you’re placed before arraignment. Prison is where you go after sentencing.
For someone who has been so emotionally devastated over his wife’s death and anniversary of it he wouldn’t likely be so easy into having sex unless the writer is going for “typical male� which I wouldn’t be surprised about considering he tends to wind up falling into gender tropes.
It’s one thing for them to ruin a crime scene at the tree to determine if it was a body dump but to ruin a second crime scene at the mines is negligent. Once they saw the bag they should have gone out and called csi.
February 16, 2025
The Devil’s Code
Still suffering from the aftermath of the recent attack she survived by a killer sent by her father, Dr Olivia Winter receives a visit from DI Linus Sutton - he’s travelled down to London from Newcastle and is seeking her expertise on a case he’s working on. Isaac McFadden has been incarcerated for murder after police found him with the dismembered remains of a young man in the boot of his car. This was an open and shut case, or was it? Isaac’s daughter Eleanor found a notebook whilst cleaning out his house, and the contents could change everything - is Isaac a serial killer? The cryptic code within the notebook could lead them to more victims, and Linus needs Olivia to help piece together the complex jigsaw - together can they figure out the secrets hidden within it? With Olivia wresting with her own emotions after a new tv series is released based on her father’s murderous history and attack on her as a child, the spotlight once again is focused on her. Can Olivia put all this aside and discover the meaning of The Devils� Code?
Wow ok, so Michael is literally one if not my favourite author, so anything that he writes I have to read, then listen to on audible just to make sure I haven’t missed anything! This new series is no different. The Dr Olivia Winter is a lovely fluffy story about a forensic psychologist - JUST KIDDING!! Nothing is fluffy and lovely about this story! It’s so twisty, so scary, so Michael! We got to know Olivia’s back story in the first book, so this one definitely adds another more depth to Olivia’s complex world. We as the reader start to see more of her struggles, as she constantly battles to keep her feelings and emotions at bay. Think about a swan swimming on a lake, lovely and calm on the surface, but paddling feet like mad beneath! She has worked so hard to build up her career and not live in the shadow of what her father did, but somehow, it keeps on following her. From the new TV show that’s being released - a true crime show based on Sebastian’s best selling book about her father, and everything in between. The whole thing with the code was very clever, I had no idea what any of it meant - and I’ve no idea how Michael even thought that up! Sheer brilliance! I liked Linus too, Olivia found a kind of kindred spirit in him, and I hope he comes back in future books!
So basically the book was excellent, really enjoyed it, a great lead in for the next book at the end…I’m sure there’s plenty more to come from Olivia!!
Thank you for letting me read this in exchange for my honest review! 5 stars!!
March 28, 2025
This is the second book featuring Dr Olivia Winter, following on from the cracking series opener - The Mind of a Murderer - so for full enjoyment I do suggest you read that one first.
This book begins with Isaac McFadden driving furtively during a storm. He is stopped by the police and, long story short, is convicted after what they find in his boot - the dismembered body of a young man. It's an easy conviction as all through the process he refuses to speak. Case closed you would think. Until that is, when his daughter is clearing out his home, she finds a notebook written in code which suggests quite strongly that this body is but one of many. Could Isaac be a serial killer? Where are the other bodies? Why has no one noticed this, if the body count is as high as the notebook suggests? The police are flummoxed by all this and, with Isaac still staying shtum, they turn to eminent Forensic Psychologist Dr Olivia Winter to assist.
And so begins a rather convoluted and interconnected tale both of Isaac and his shenanigans as well as Olivia still trying to come to terms with her own brutal past and and how exposure of which is affecting her present but personally and professionally. I won't go into detail just in case you haven't read the first book but, if you haven't maybe quit reading reviews for this one just in case...
As with the previous book, my bond with Olivia was strong and grew during our time together. I felt for her even more herein cos of the way that a lot more people treated her, used her, I can't go into detail here, obviously.
And the crime itself was brilliantly plotted. I also tried my hardest with decoding the notebook but, although I did have a few shots on target, most of them went wide. But I did kick myself when certain things were revealed, and how close I had actually got. And when it was all finally revealed, well, I sat back and applauded the author for a job well done.
All in all, a cracking follow up to what's shaping up to be a cracking series. Luckily I have a few more of this author's Matilda Darke series to catch up with whilst I wait for book three. Another series I wholeheartedly recommend.
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
This book begins with Isaac McFadden driving furtively during a storm. He is stopped by the police and, long story short, is convicted after what they find in his boot - the dismembered body of a young man. It's an easy conviction as all through the process he refuses to speak. Case closed you would think. Until that is, when his daughter is clearing out his home, she finds a notebook written in code which suggests quite strongly that this body is but one of many. Could Isaac be a serial killer? Where are the other bodies? Why has no one noticed this, if the body count is as high as the notebook suggests? The police are flummoxed by all this and, with Isaac still staying shtum, they turn to eminent Forensic Psychologist Dr Olivia Winter to assist.
And so begins a rather convoluted and interconnected tale both of Isaac and his shenanigans as well as Olivia still trying to come to terms with her own brutal past and and how exposure of which is affecting her present but personally and professionally. I won't go into detail just in case you haven't read the first book but, if you haven't maybe quit reading reviews for this one just in case...
As with the previous book, my bond with Olivia was strong and grew during our time together. I felt for her even more herein cos of the way that a lot more people treated her, used her, I can't go into detail here, obviously.
And the crime itself was brilliantly plotted. I also tried my hardest with decoding the notebook but, although I did have a few shots on target, most of them went wide. But I did kick myself when certain things were revealed, and how close I had actually got. And when it was all finally revealed, well, I sat back and applauded the author for a job well done.
All in all, a cracking follow up to what's shaping up to be a cracking series. Luckily I have a few more of this author's Matilda Darke series to catch up with whilst I wait for book three. Another series I wholeheartedly recommend.
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
March 2, 2025
I really am enjoying this series. I love getting into a series of books that are police procedural adjacent but have that slight outside slant that means that we aren't always wrapped up in the finer legal aspects of law and order. And with Olivia Winter, a Forensic Psychologist who is often called upon by the police, we have the insider knowledge of investigations with the added bonus of being able to do it her way. And, with this latest investigation once again bringing the story quite close to home for Olivia, we see her exercising freedoms that could prove deadly.
I liked the opening to this book. It seems, on the surface, an innocuous enough situation. Man pulled over by police. In a bit of a rush. Trying to avoid appearing too suspicious. Failing abysmally ... And, this is a Michael Wood novel so you know there is going to be a sting in the tail. Or, in this case, a dismembered body in the boot of the car. Nothing too major then. And it's only the one body. Until it becomes clear that maybe it isn't. Queue police inviting Olivia Winter to help them out. To attempt to get into the mind of a man who may be one of the most heinous, and previously undetected, serial killers that they have met.
The beauty of this case is how the circumstances seem to mirror Olivia's own past to a degree. There is the killer's daughter, Eleanor, who is trying to come to terms with her father's actions. So far so Olivia. It is a slightly altered situation, but the parallels are clear and seeing how Eleanor is impacted by what happens is perhaps predictable, but also a touch infuriating. There is a mystery code that Olivia and her Detective, Linus Sutton, need to crack in order to help them not only identify the killer's other victims, but also locate their remains. This is actually a very clever bit of work on Michael Wood's part. Simple when you see it but perplexing enough to keep us, and Olivia guessing, and not distract us from the actual story itself.
The pacing and tension that build in the book are spot on - nothing less than I'd expect from the author to be fair. There is a mystery that extends beyond the potential additional victims, and this is the one part of the book where we are faced with a lot of red herrings and misdirection, and where the truth is hidden in plain sight. The risk and threat facing Olivia and the wider team grow the closer we move towards the finale. I lied how Michael Wood has developed the additional characters in the book, particularly Linus and his younger colleague, DC Ryan Sweetland. Ryan is a bit of an Olivia-esque character and the potential for the future there is actually quite exciting, so I'm intrigued to see where the author might take this.
The Devil's Code is a fabulously clever, superbly plotted, multiple-murder mystery that kept me completely glued to the page and guessing at the what whys and wherefores practically to the end. With Olivia's father still making his presence felt in her life, it feels like there is still a lot for the author to deliver in this series, and I, for one, am totally here for it. Definitely recommended.
I liked the opening to this book. It seems, on the surface, an innocuous enough situation. Man pulled over by police. In a bit of a rush. Trying to avoid appearing too suspicious. Failing abysmally ... And, this is a Michael Wood novel so you know there is going to be a sting in the tail. Or, in this case, a dismembered body in the boot of the car. Nothing too major then. And it's only the one body. Until it becomes clear that maybe it isn't. Queue police inviting Olivia Winter to help them out. To attempt to get into the mind of a man who may be one of the most heinous, and previously undetected, serial killers that they have met.
The beauty of this case is how the circumstances seem to mirror Olivia's own past to a degree. There is the killer's daughter, Eleanor, who is trying to come to terms with her father's actions. So far so Olivia. It is a slightly altered situation, but the parallels are clear and seeing how Eleanor is impacted by what happens is perhaps predictable, but also a touch infuriating. There is a mystery code that Olivia and her Detective, Linus Sutton, need to crack in order to help them not only identify the killer's other victims, but also locate their remains. This is actually a very clever bit of work on Michael Wood's part. Simple when you see it but perplexing enough to keep us, and Olivia guessing, and not distract us from the actual story itself.
The pacing and tension that build in the book are spot on - nothing less than I'd expect from the author to be fair. There is a mystery that extends beyond the potential additional victims, and this is the one part of the book where we are faced with a lot of red herrings and misdirection, and where the truth is hidden in plain sight. The risk and threat facing Olivia and the wider team grow the closer we move towards the finale. I lied how Michael Wood has developed the additional characters in the book, particularly Linus and his younger colleague, DC Ryan Sweetland. Ryan is a bit of an Olivia-esque character and the potential for the future there is actually quite exciting, so I'm intrigued to see where the author might take this.
The Devil's Code is a fabulously clever, superbly plotted, multiple-murder mystery that kept me completely glued to the page and guessing at the what whys and wherefores practically to the end. With Olivia's father still making his presence felt in her life, it feels like there is still a lot for the author to deliver in this series, and I, for one, am totally here for it. Definitely recommended.
December 28, 2024
5 Stars from me ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The opening of this book is pure Michael Wood with his warped mind and clever sense of humour - I absolutely loved it!
This is the second in the Dr Olivia Winter series and in this book we find Olivia has been enlisted to help solve a code left behind by murderer Isaac McFadden. Because, if the code in the notebook is as it looks, then Isaac isn't just a murderer, he's a serial killer and the clock is ticking to find his other victims.
The Devil's Code is a classic 'race against time' thriller with many red herrings and clever diversions, there are always layers to Michael Wood's books and this one is no exception as there are several little side stories - mostly human interest - and these really bring the book to life.
It seems that Olivia has fast become a media darling, and is the tabloids wet dream of a news story - which is something that rankles McFadden's daughter who simply can't understand why she isn't worthy of the same attention. I found her to be a fascinating character and greatly enjoyed her growing frustrations with Olivia.
It seems there is peril around every corner for Olivia who has demons of her own to face along the way in her quest to unravel what could be a serial killer's code and there is many a tense moment within these pages.
Having spent so long writing the Matilda Darke series it must be hard to begin a new series and create a new police team to work on the cases but (even though I find her dog annoying...) Olivia and co are already beginning to feel like old friends. That said, if you haven't read the Matilda Darke series by the same author - then you should!
The opening of this book is pure Michael Wood with his warped mind and clever sense of humour - I absolutely loved it!
This is the second in the Dr Olivia Winter series and in this book we find Olivia has been enlisted to help solve a code left behind by murderer Isaac McFadden. Because, if the code in the notebook is as it looks, then Isaac isn't just a murderer, he's a serial killer and the clock is ticking to find his other victims.
The Devil's Code is a classic 'race against time' thriller with many red herrings and clever diversions, there are always layers to Michael Wood's books and this one is no exception as there are several little side stories - mostly human interest - and these really bring the book to life.
It seems that Olivia has fast become a media darling, and is the tabloids wet dream of a news story - which is something that rankles McFadden's daughter who simply can't understand why she isn't worthy of the same attention. I found her to be a fascinating character and greatly enjoyed her growing frustrations with Olivia.
It seems there is peril around every corner for Olivia who has demons of her own to face along the way in her quest to unravel what could be a serial killer's code and there is many a tense moment within these pages.
Having spent so long writing the Matilda Darke series it must be hard to begin a new series and create a new police team to work on the cases but (even though I find her dog annoying...) Olivia and co are already beginning to feel like old friends. That said, if you haven't read the Matilda Darke series by the same author - then you should!
December 12, 2024
Poor Olivia doesn’t have it easy. Not only is she the daughter of a notorious serial killer, the press don’t give her an easy time either. Whilst this certainly affects her life in general mentally, it doesn’t stop her from wanting to catch and understand other killers. The new case she finds herself working on is an intriguing one to say the least. A notebook points towards the killer they have under arrest as having killed others. To find the victims, Olivia, Linus and Ryan must break the code.
I thought this was so cleverly done. The codes in the notebook make absolutely no sense and was wracking my brains trying to work out what they could possibly mean and failing miserably. Luckily Olivia has a much sharper mind and she slowly starts to unravel them getting them closer to the truth. The real truth behind the killings is a huge shocker. You would think having already caught the killer that there wouldn’t be any unexpected twists and turns but you would be wrong, very wrong!
The Devil’s Code is a dark and disturbing read. Not one you will want to read before bedtime unless you wish to have nightmares. The killer’s method of killing is particularly brutal and made my blood run cold. The story has a cat and mouse feel to it with the killer thinking they are one step ahead at all times. It is such a strong storyline that grabbed me from the off and it’s hold got tighter and tighter the further into the story I went. An extremely chilling read with a twist that will blow your socks off!
I thought this was so cleverly done. The codes in the notebook make absolutely no sense and was wracking my brains trying to work out what they could possibly mean and failing miserably. Luckily Olivia has a much sharper mind and she slowly starts to unravel them getting them closer to the truth. The real truth behind the killings is a huge shocker. You would think having already caught the killer that there wouldn’t be any unexpected twists and turns but you would be wrong, very wrong!
The Devil’s Code is a dark and disturbing read. Not one you will want to read before bedtime unless you wish to have nightmares. The killer’s method of killing is particularly brutal and made my blood run cold. The story has a cat and mouse feel to it with the killer thinking they are one step ahead at all times. It is such a strong storyline that grabbed me from the off and it’s hold got tighter and tighter the further into the story I went. An extremely chilling read with a twist that will blow your socks off!
December 11, 2024
Thanks to Michael and NetGalley for allowing me to read The Devil’s Code before the publication date. This is the second book in the Dr Olivia Winter series.
It doesn’t waste any time before the reader is taken into the dark world of serial killers and those whose job is to catch them.
A normal traffic stop by Tyne and Wear police officers reveals the gruesome contents of the car boot and results in the arrest of the driver, Isaac McFadden. Following his conviction, his daughter, Eleanor, finds items hidden in the house which suggest that this was not Isaac’s only crime.
With no cooperation from Isaac, Dr Olivia Winter is asked to assist the small Northumbria team, headed up by D.I. Linus Sutton.
This coincides with a low point in Olivia’s personal life. The book which her business partner wrote about her own father, serial killer Richard Button, has been made into a drama and is due to be broadcast.
Olivia’s carefully hidden identity is now in the public domain and she is recognised everywhere she goes.
The tension is high from the first chapter and just keeps increasing.
The descriptions of the crimes are distinctly gory and not for the feint hearted.
That is balanced by some touches of humour.
The presence of the cossetted miniature dachshund, Stanley, provides some lighter entertainment.
There are numerous red herrings and plenty of twists and turns before the truth will out.
It doesn’t waste any time before the reader is taken into the dark world of serial killers and those whose job is to catch them.
A normal traffic stop by Tyne and Wear police officers reveals the gruesome contents of the car boot and results in the arrest of the driver, Isaac McFadden. Following his conviction, his daughter, Eleanor, finds items hidden in the house which suggest that this was not Isaac’s only crime.
With no cooperation from Isaac, Dr Olivia Winter is asked to assist the small Northumbria team, headed up by D.I. Linus Sutton.
This coincides with a low point in Olivia’s personal life. The book which her business partner wrote about her own father, serial killer Richard Button, has been made into a drama and is due to be broadcast.
Olivia’s carefully hidden identity is now in the public domain and she is recognised everywhere she goes.
The tension is high from the first chapter and just keeps increasing.
The descriptions of the crimes are distinctly gory and not for the feint hearted.
That is balanced by some touches of humour.
The presence of the cossetted miniature dachshund, Stanley, provides some lighter entertainment.
There are numerous red herrings and plenty of twists and turns before the truth will out.
January 12, 2025
When I read ‘The Mind of a Murderer� the first book in the Dr Olivia Winter series it blew me away. So, I was so excited to receive a copy of ‘The Devils code�
When Isaac Mc Fadden is stopped by Tyne and Wear police. He thinks he has been stopped for speeding. But when they ask him to open the boot of his car. The Police find more than they have bargained for. When they find chopped is body parts in the boot of his car.
When D.I Linus Sutton interviews him, all Isaac can say is no comment. But later on, when his daughter Eleanor is going through his things, she finds a notebook regarding more bodies and trophies which belonged to the victims.
Dr Olivia Winter is asked to assist the investigation due to her expertise and the similarities between Issac and her father. But she has also got problems of her own as the details of her father’s life is gone viral and they are even making a TV true crime documentary about his killing spree.
Wow what can I say ‘The Devil’s code� is another 5-star read from me for this very talented author. This is more of a slow burn. But I enjoyed this, nevertheless. It is dark, tense thriller and quite graphic, the author is good at visualizing what it is like to get into a killer’s mind. It also made me feel a bit uncomfortable at times so I would say this is not for the fainted hearted. But saying that, the author must be doing something right as I couldn’t get enough. I hope it’s not too long to wait for the next one�
When Isaac Mc Fadden is stopped by Tyne and Wear police. He thinks he has been stopped for speeding. But when they ask him to open the boot of his car. The Police find more than they have bargained for. When they find chopped is body parts in the boot of his car.
When D.I Linus Sutton interviews him, all Isaac can say is no comment. But later on, when his daughter Eleanor is going through his things, she finds a notebook regarding more bodies and trophies which belonged to the victims.
Dr Olivia Winter is asked to assist the investigation due to her expertise and the similarities between Issac and her father. But she has also got problems of her own as the details of her father’s life is gone viral and they are even making a TV true crime documentary about his killing spree.
Wow what can I say ‘The Devil’s code� is another 5-star read from me for this very talented author. This is more of a slow burn. But I enjoyed this, nevertheless. It is dark, tense thriller and quite graphic, the author is good at visualizing what it is like to get into a killer’s mind. It also made me feel a bit uncomfortable at times so I would say this is not for the fainted hearted. But saying that, the author must be doing something right as I couldn’t get enough. I hope it’s not too long to wait for the next one�
March 27, 2025
Michael Wood delivers a clever and superbly plotted mystery. With the return of Dr Olivia Wood.
Who after surviving a harrowing attack by a serial killer sent by her notorious father, Richard Button is back at work and navigating the challenges of her connection to Richard being public knowledge, especially with an ITV drama soon to air recounting her father's crimes.
But luckily for Olivia DI Linus Sutton has arrived in London from Newcastle seeking her expertise on a perplexing case.
As Isaac McFadden is in prison for murder after being apprehended on the A1, where a dismembered body was found in his car.
However, his daughter has discovered troubling evidence in his home that suggests there could be more victims involved. This evidence takes the form of a coded notebook and a bag of chilling trophies.
And as the police find themselves grappling with the intricacies of the clues, the responsibility rests on Olivia to decipher the hidden meanings and provide insights that could lead to the truth.
And as the plot thickens with red herrings and misdirection, the pacing and tension escalate. Leaving me utterly gripped and guessing until the very end. But that's nothing new when it comes to Michael Woods's books, and if you're yet to read this amazing author, do! You really won't be sorry.
My thanks to One More Chapter for the opportunity to read an early copy of The Devils Code. ☺️
Who after surviving a harrowing attack by a serial killer sent by her notorious father, Richard Button is back at work and navigating the challenges of her connection to Richard being public knowledge, especially with an ITV drama soon to air recounting her father's crimes.
But luckily for Olivia DI Linus Sutton has arrived in London from Newcastle seeking her expertise on a perplexing case.
As Isaac McFadden is in prison for murder after being apprehended on the A1, where a dismembered body was found in his car.
However, his daughter has discovered troubling evidence in his home that suggests there could be more victims involved. This evidence takes the form of a coded notebook and a bag of chilling trophies.
And as the police find themselves grappling with the intricacies of the clues, the responsibility rests on Olivia to decipher the hidden meanings and provide insights that could lead to the truth.
And as the plot thickens with red herrings and misdirection, the pacing and tension escalate. Leaving me utterly gripped and guessing until the very end. But that's nothing new when it comes to Michael Woods's books, and if you're yet to read this amazing author, do! You really won't be sorry.
My thanks to One More Chapter for the opportunity to read an early copy of The Devils Code. ☺️
April 24, 2025
Another dark and gripping read from Michael Wood.
Dr Olivia Winter is a complex character and her backstory leaves the reader with no doubt as to why she is so complex .
Olivia’s father was a serial killer and left her for dead after killing her mother and sister, who wouldn’t have dark thoughts and at times irrational behaviour after being the only survivor of her murdering father?
Olivia is a Forensic Psychologist and has travelled the world speaking to killers and helping police solve cases .
DI Linus Sutton travels from Newcastle to visit Dr Winter in London , he needs her help.
Isaac McFadden was found with dismembered body parts in the boot of his car , he’s convicted of the man’s murder.
Mcfadden’s daughter Eleanor finds a notebook in her father’s belonging it contains a strange code and DI Sutton believes this code shows that McFadden is in fact a serial killer.
He needs Olivia’s help to try and decipher the code and speak to McFadden to see if he will give them any clues both to the code and if he has killed more than one person.
This book is a dark read but as always Wood’s writing hooks the reader in and from then on I’m lost in the pages.
Michael Wood has done it again and I highly recommend this story.
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter.
Dr Olivia Winter is a complex character and her backstory leaves the reader with no doubt as to why she is so complex .
Olivia’s father was a serial killer and left her for dead after killing her mother and sister, who wouldn’t have dark thoughts and at times irrational behaviour after being the only survivor of her murdering father?
Olivia is a Forensic Psychologist and has travelled the world speaking to killers and helping police solve cases .
DI Linus Sutton travels from Newcastle to visit Dr Winter in London , he needs her help.
Isaac McFadden was found with dismembered body parts in the boot of his car , he’s convicted of the man’s murder.
Mcfadden’s daughter Eleanor finds a notebook in her father’s belonging it contains a strange code and DI Sutton believes this code shows that McFadden is in fact a serial killer.
He needs Olivia’s help to try and decipher the code and speak to McFadden to see if he will give them any clues both to the code and if he has killed more than one person.
This book is a dark read but as always Wood’s writing hooks the reader in and from then on I’m lost in the pages.
Michael Wood has done it again and I highly recommend this story.
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter.
February 12, 2025
A blockbuster of a murder mystery and the second Dr Olivia Winter novel. Olivia is a forensic psychologist with a unique story. She is the surviving daughter of a serial killer father and built a business around her knowledge. She and best friend Sebastian run the Behavioural Science Administration. Olivia still has her demons, living with survivors guilt, and is concerned about the forthcoming TV drama about her father, but she has to put this to one side to deal with a new, dangerous and very complex case.
Briefly, in Newcastle Isaac McFadden has been stopped by the police who discover a dismembered body in the boot of his car. He has declined to speak and is sentenced to life for murder. Clearing out his house his daughter finds a coded book which suggests McFadden may have many more deaths to his name. The police call in Olivia for help.
In a dark gruesome book the clues are there, if you can spot them, in the coded handbook. Can you work them out and find the killer before Olivia? This book grabbed me from the start and hung on until the very last page. Fast paced, brutal, violent, with great twists, and absolutely brilliant!
Briefly, in Newcastle Isaac McFadden has been stopped by the police who discover a dismembered body in the boot of his car. He has declined to speak and is sentenced to life for murder. Clearing out his house his daughter finds a coded book which suggests McFadden may have many more deaths to his name. The police call in Olivia for help.
In a dark gruesome book the clues are there, if you can spot them, in the coded handbook. Can you work them out and find the killer before Olivia? This book grabbed me from the start and hung on until the very last page. Fast paced, brutal, violent, with great twists, and absolutely brilliant!
March 25, 2025
Twisted killers, damaged daughters😰
This is one twisted but addictive read. Dr. Olivia Winters, daughter of a serial killer who survived her own father's attempt to slay her, helping Newcastle police piece together the meaning of convicted local serial killer Isaac McFadden's notes, found by his daughter Eleanor in a hidey-hole in her father's closet. Was there proof of other victims? A co-conspirator? A purpose for his killing? And Olivia can't escape her own trauma, her imprisoned father and the constant curiosity of reporters stirred up by a docudrama about her father.
This author is really adept at building suspense and urgency in a fascinating tale of good versus evil. Plus plenty of surprises and heart pounding danger. His Matilda Darke series is great and this Olivia Winter one is too!
For me, the subplot involving young Thomas Landy moved me the most and was truly tragic. In the total scheme of things he wasn't a major character but his descent had a tremendous impact.
Thanks to Harper Collins/One More Chapter and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
This is one twisted but addictive read. Dr. Olivia Winters, daughter of a serial killer who survived her own father's attempt to slay her, helping Newcastle police piece together the meaning of convicted local serial killer Isaac McFadden's notes, found by his daughter Eleanor in a hidey-hole in her father's closet. Was there proof of other victims? A co-conspirator? A purpose for his killing? And Olivia can't escape her own trauma, her imprisoned father and the constant curiosity of reporters stirred up by a docudrama about her father.
This author is really adept at building suspense and urgency in a fascinating tale of good versus evil. Plus plenty of surprises and heart pounding danger. His Matilda Darke series is great and this Olivia Winter one is too!
For me, the subplot involving young Thomas Landy moved me the most and was truly tragic. In the total scheme of things he wasn't a major character but his descent had a tremendous impact.
Thanks to Harper Collins/One More Chapter and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
December 11, 2024
This is the second book in the Dr Olivia Winter series and it’s another gripping and page turning read by Michael Wood. I’m a huge fan of the Matilda Darke series but I think this series is even better.
Isaac McFadden is arrested by police when they discover him with a dismembered body in his car and after the discovery of coded notebooks in his house they believe that McFadden could be a serial killer. Forensic Psychologist Olivia Winter, the daughter of a serial killer, is called on to help the police with their enquiry.
This is a compelling and twisty thriller that I raced through over the course of 24 hours. I loved the fact that it’s a combination of police procedural, a psychological thriller and also an examination of the treatment of families of killers by the media. I like the character of Olivia, her relationship with her colleague Sebastian and some of the newly introduced characters.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this digital ARC.
4.5 stars
Isaac McFadden is arrested by police when they discover him with a dismembered body in his car and after the discovery of coded notebooks in his house they believe that McFadden could be a serial killer. Forensic Psychologist Olivia Winter, the daughter of a serial killer, is called on to help the police with their enquiry.
This is a compelling and twisty thriller that I raced through over the course of 24 hours. I loved the fact that it’s a combination of police procedural, a psychological thriller and also an examination of the treatment of families of killers by the media. I like the character of Olivia, her relationship with her colleague Sebastian and some of the newly introduced characters.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this digital ARC.
4.5 stars
March 22, 2025
This is the second book in the Dr. Olivia Winger series and hell yes what a read it was, I didn’t think the first book could be beaten but this certainly did that and more. The pacing of the book was spot on feeding little bits of information making it so damn compulsive and difficult to put down but what I really loved the most was the cdde and I spent ages and ages trying to work it out needless to say I didn’t and wow it was clever and so satisfying when it was revealed.
The characters were all brilliant especially Olivia who I have come to really love and I’m so looking forward to the next in this wonderful series, I hope we won’t have to wait too long.
So a book I can’t fault it had everything you would want in a crime novel and one that will keep you guessing from beginning to end and if you want a gory serial killer then this is most definitely the book for you , thank you Michael Wood it was superb!
My thanks also to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter for giving me the opportunity to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
The characters were all brilliant especially Olivia who I have come to really love and I’m so looking forward to the next in this wonderful series, I hope we won’t have to wait too long.
So a book I can’t fault it had everything you would want in a crime novel and one that will keep you guessing from beginning to end and if you want a gory serial killer then this is most definitely the book for you , thank you Michael Wood it was superb!
My thanks also to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter for giving me the opportunity to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
December 15, 2024
The Devil’s Code by Michael Wood is the second book in the Dr Olivia Winter series, she is a forensic psychologist. Olivia has another case to solve, another serial killer, he was stopped by the police one night and on examination of the car, a dismembered body is found in the trunk. His daughter finds evidence of further murders hidden in his bedroom, when she is trying to pack up the family home.
Olivia and Linus, the police officer in charge of the investigation in Newcastle try to break the code that was found and are able to find some more bodies that have been buried and dismembered. They cannot find a trace of the second murderer, until Olivia and the daughter return to her old family home and find one of the police team being dismembered on their arrival and find out who is the second killer.
An interesting, bloody and violent story by the author, who specialises in delving into the minds of killers.
Highly recommended
Olivia and Linus, the police officer in charge of the investigation in Newcastle try to break the code that was found and are able to find some more bodies that have been buried and dismembered. They cannot find a trace of the second murderer, until Olivia and the daughter return to her old family home and find one of the police team being dismembered on their arrival and find out who is the second killer.
An interesting, bloody and violent story by the author, who specialises in delving into the minds of killers.
Highly recommended
January 12, 2025
Dr Olivia Winter is a fascinating and complex character having survived the brutal murder of her mother and sister as a child, with the added twist the killer was her father. Her choice of career is understandable as she struggles to put the past behind her and move on in her own life. When Isaac McFadden is stopped and a dismembered body found in his carboot, she gets drawn in to assist the investigation.
As always with this author it’s beautifully written, very dark, taking you to places in your mind that you really don’t want to go but get drawn into regardless. To get into the mind of a serial must be intense and distressing but Michael Wood has done it so well, it’s a book that you don’t want to read late into the night but you find yourself pulled in nonetheless. Excellent read, very dark with surprising twists - can’t wait for,the next book in the series.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.
As always with this author it’s beautifully written, very dark, taking you to places in your mind that you really don’t want to go but get drawn into regardless. To get into the mind of a serial must be intense and distressing but Michael Wood has done it so well, it’s a book that you don’t want to read late into the night but you find yourself pulled in nonetheless. Excellent read, very dark with surprising twists - can’t wait for,the next book in the series.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.
December 8, 2024
Dr Olivia Winter is a forensic psychologist who studies serial killers. She has an advantage as her father was serial killer and she was his last victim, as well as the only one to survive. She is called from London to Newcastle to help investigate the case of Isaac Mcfaaden. He was pulled over by police and found with a dismembered body in his trunk. After his arrest and conviction, souvenirs and a journal written in code are found hidden in his house. Olivia and the local police struggle to decode the journal to discover if there are more victims to be found. This second book is just as much of a fast-paced gory page-turner as the first one. I enjoy both the psychological and police procedural perspectives. Olivia is an interesting character and I look forward to reading the next one in the series. #NetGalley #NetGalley
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