Successful author, Aidan Cullen, has been a virtual prisoner for the last 5 years. His self enforced isolation is the result of a vicious knife attack where he was left for dead. His paranoia means that he never leaves the house, and (mainly) has only his dog Nanook for company. Luke, Aidan’s friend from his university days, stays with him as much as he can and is the only person who understands how badly the attack affected Aidan’s mental health, but he works away quite often, so it’s a lonely life for Aidan. Though he lives in a beautiful house in a picturesque village in the Derbyshire countryside, Aidan’s only solace is his writing - his crime thrillers are a huge success. However, when a murder takes place very close to his home, so close that he can see the detectives and forensics team working at the murder site, he’s terrified that his highly secure home and huge iron gates may not be enough to keep determined intruders out. Not surprisingly, the police are keen to interview Aidan, and when other murders follow, and a pattern begins to emerge, he begins to think that someone is out to get him, or is that just his paranoia? This is a truly claustrophobic tale, with the tension building to ever increasing proportions. One can only imagine how the mind begins to play tricks in the dead of night, when you live in an isolated spot with a murderer at large!

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.

Another great read from this author.a standalone read.a thrilling read.Aiden a writer is a liner and he has a dog and a friend Luke.he was stabbed in his past.near by people are being killed.and who is behind the killings?Will the police find the killer.I guessed the ending still an enjoyable read.fantastic writer and one of my favourite authors.looking forward to reading more of his books.

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.