📖 Book Review: Chapter One by Michael Wood
A claustrophobic, twist-laden psychological thriller that channels Stephen King’s eerie intensity with a modern crime fiction edge.
From the bestselling author of the DCI Matilda Darke and Dr Olivia Winter series, Michael Wood’s Chapter One is a standalone thriller that has already captivated readers with its unsettling atmosphere and mind-bending twists. With a Goodreads rating of 3.96/5 from over 800 readers, it’s being hailed as a “mess-with-your-mind” story that’s impossible to put down.
🧠 Plot Overview
Aidan Cullen, a once-successful crime writer, has spent the last five years locked inside his rural home, traumatized and paranoid after surviving a brutal attack. His only companion is his dog—and the elaborate security system he’s installed to keep the world out.
But when a murder occurs just outside his property, Aidan is reluctantly pulled into the investigation led by DS Katherine Marshall. As more bodies surface and the pattern grows disturbingly familiar, Aidan realizes he may be the only one who can see the connections. The question is: are they real, or is his mind playing tricks on him?
🔍 Why It Hooks You
- Stephen King Vibes: The novel’s eerie tone, psychological tension, and isolated protagonist evoke classics like Misery and The Shining.
- Unreliable Narrator: Aidan’s paranoia and trauma blur the line between reality and delusion, keeping readers guessing.
- Claustrophobic Setting: The rural home becomes a character in itself—both sanctuary and prison.
- Twist-Filled Narrative: Wood masterfully layers suspense, with a final reveal that redefines everything.
💬 Praise from Fellow Authors
- “Real Stephen King vibes. Tense, unsettling and a surefire winner.” — Trevor Wood
- “A mess-with-your-mind, spine-tingling thriller with an unguessable twist.” — A.A. Chaudhuri
- “An intense one-sitting read full of twists and turns.” — Angela Marsons
🏁 Final Verdict
Chapter One is a dark, cerebral thriller that explores trauma, isolation, and the terrifying power of the mind. If you enjoy psychological suspense with literary flair and a protagonist you’re never quite sure you trust, this one is a must-read for summer 2025.
