Release: May 22, 2025
Author: Alice Hunter
Publisher: Avon Books

Rating: 4 ★ 

Dr. Eleanor Spencer has built a successful career as a psychologist and appears to have it all together. But when women start disappearing, old wounds resurface from her sister’s still-unsolved case. Pulled into the investigation, Ellie seeks help from Lucas Hayne, a convicted serial killer known for playing dangerous mind games. When Lucas suggests that the truth is tangled up in Ellie’s own past, everything she thought she knew starts to unravel. As she digs deeper, Ellie realizes that the real threat might be much closer than she ever thought — and this time, it’s personal.


The Perfect Psychopath had everything I love in a psychological thriller — a chilling setup, lots of twists, and a story that kept me guessing right up until the end. The book follows Dr. Eleanor Spencer, a psychologist assigned to work with a manipulative killer behind bars, but it quickly becomes clear that he knows way more about a string of new murders than he should. The sessions between them grow increasingly personal, especially as Eleanor’s own past — including her sister’s mysterious disappearance — starts to intertwine with the present investigation.

The pacing was strong throughout, with a gripping beginning that immediately pulled me in and an ending that really stuck with me. I loved how the author explored the killer’s psyche and built complex characters that felt real and layered. There were a few moments where I had to suspend disbelief, and at times the back-and-forth between timelines made the story a little harder to follow, but overall, I stayed hooked because I needed to know how everything connected.

This was a dark, twisty read that kept me second-guessing everyone, and the character development made it even more compelling. If you’re into thrillers with morally gray leads, mind games, and secrets that refuse to stay buried, this is one worth picking up.



Favorite Quote:
"psychopaths don't have to be violent to be dangerous. They just have to be manipulative enough to make you doubt your own reality."

A good, keep you guessing, psychological storyline. A serial killer on prison seems to know more about serial killings outside than he should and his connections run deeper than you might imagine. A psychologist is tasked to have regular sessions with him as a study to assess his risk to those around him but those sessions become a lot more personal and poignant. Her sister had disappeared in the past and assumed a victim of the killer but the actual circumstances are shrouded in mystery and questions left unanswered.
There are some good twists and this definitely kept my interest right to the end to see what all the connections were. Some bits were a little bit of a stretch for plausibility but overall a good read.

I love Alice Hunter anyway so I fully expected to adore this book about a psychopath and a forensic psychologist: and I wasn’t disappointed.

The twists were great, it all happened in one go at the end and I was like WOW! It felt like I was watching a film.

A lot of books usually either have a super good beginning or an amazing end. It's pretty rare for me to find one that has both but this defiantly had such a great beginning and all the way through pace that kept me wanting to keep reading like crazy and it also had an unforgettable ending.

Dr Eleanor Spencer a respected forensic psychologist and works in the nearby prison. When she hears of a woman’s body is found with her sister’s necklace on her. Her sister disappeared five years ago never to be seen again.
She is asked to work on the case and se agrees because she wants to find out if there is anymore connection to her sisters’ disappearance. But when another body turns up, they know they have a serial killer on their hands. She knows that this is getting personal. She asks help from notorious serial killer Lucas Haynes who is one of the inmates to get into the serial killer’s mind, but the shocking truth emerges that he knows stuff from her past.
Alice Hunter is one of my go-to authors, so I was excited to read a new novel ‘The perfect Psychopath.
I liked the sound of the premise and got straight stuck in, but I found this to be quite a slow burn or me and I felt it was hard to connect with the characters at times. For me there was something missing. It didn’t give me the intensity that I find and enjoy in other books of this type. This is not a bad book it’s just my personal taste. I wanted more but it didn’t deliver for me. 3.5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for allowing me to read an advanced copy of The Perfect Psychopath by Alice Hunter:

This is a psychological thriller about Dr. Eleanor Spencer, a psychologist whose life unravels when a series of women disappear, forcing her to confront past traumas. Eleanor turns to a convicted serial killer, Lucas Hayne, for answers, leading her to question whether the true threat is closer than she thought. She believes he may hold insight into a series of disappearances—but the real question is whether she can trust him, or whether she's being manipulated. The novel explores the ways in which trust can be used as a weapon, particularly when the betrayer understands their victim’s weaknesses. Eleanor’s own past traumas intertwine with her present situation, suggesting that betrayal may not be limited to Lucas Hayne. Whether from colleagues, loved ones, or even her own instincts, she faces layers of deception that force her to reconsider who is truly dangerous.

The story suggests that seemingly trustworthy individuals may conceal sinister intentions. Betrayal here isn't just about broken promises—it’s about the fundamental misjudgment of character and the devastating consequences of misplaced trust.

This book was a really good read and part of a genre i truly enjoy. Highly recommend.

Dr. Ellie Spencer works as a forensic psychologist at a jail. However, when women start disappearing and turning up dead, Ellie is reminded of her past. Her sister went missing five years ago and was never found. When her sister's necklace turns up on the body of one of the latest victims, Ellie is desperate to find a connection to her missing sister. In order to figure out what is happening, Ellie works with one of her patients, a notorious serial killer, in order to get into his mind and catch the latest killer.

I really enjoyed this one! I love novels that dive into the psyche and the inner workings of a killer. You can tell the author is very knowledge on this subject. The author does an excellent job at keeping the reader engrossed and on their toes. I honestly had no idea who the killer was and kept changing my mind throughout the story. Lots of great twists and turns. The character development was really well done - you can really get a sense of each character and connect with them.

Thank you Avon Books UK | Avon and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This kept me intrigued throughout. While I did figure out the final twist/reveal. I was still invested enough. Wondering if I missed something.
This had the perfect balance between personal life and the crimes being solved.

This was a really good book but I'm still a bit confused with the ending . It is well worth a read as it keeps you guessing .

“Broken people try to heal themselves by breaking others”

I was lucky enough to be approved for an advanced readers copy (ARC) of this book via @netgalley @avonbooksuk having recently read and loved The Serial Killer Series I was overjoyed to be reading @alicehunter_author The Perfect Psychopath.

Dr Eleanor Spencer is a psychologist who works in a prison and has sessions with the inmates who are serial killers and rapists.

When women start to vanish and are later murdered it resurfaces feelings of her sisters unsolved disappearance and before she knows it, Eleanor is entwined in the present investigation.

Lucas Hayne, a convicted serial killer speaks of his crimes within his sessions with Eleanor and not only are there similarities in his crimes to the new murders but he is taunting Eleanor and encouraging her to look closer to home for the answers and links to her sisters disappearance.

It was fascinating having a look into the mind of serial killers and eye opening how powerful the human brain is. This book will make you question every character and keep you on your toes with mini twists and turns until the big revelation.

This will be a big hit and I am honoured to have been able to read an early release in exchange for a truthful review. @harperfiction @harperfiction

The idea for this book was engaging. The psychiatrist, Ellie, is interviewing serial killers for research and also wants to get to the bottom of the years old case of her sister’s disappearance. The other point of view is the detective investigating a suspected copy cat murder. DS Sarah Knight finds clues linking the current crimes to Ellie’s missing sister.
The portrayal of the prison setting felt realistic and well drawn. The characters were ok, but none of them had a lot of depth.
The story is past paced and kept me reading. The only thing I didn’t like was the fact that Ellie just forgot all the pertinent points relevant to solving the crimes. This seemed far too convenient and it wasn’t explored why. This let the overall plot down for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC

I received this as an eARC from NetGalley

This book had me at the edge of my seat with every turn of the page. So many twists and turns - all unexpected. It was gasp after gasp with all of the new developments.

I highly recommend this book!

4.5/5 stars! This is a psychological thriller done right. To be transparent, I have enjoyed basically everything I've read by Alice Hunter, so I had high hopes for this book. It was so good. The mental health aspect was spot on and intriguing and THAT TWIST! Omg. I was stunned. Only gripe is that the pacing was very mellow for what should be a tumultuous time seeking answers faster.

"The Perfect Psychopath" by Alice Hunter this book I couldn’t put it down! From the very first page, this novel captivated me with its brilliantly twisty plot and suspenseful twists that kept me guessing until the very last moment. The writing is stunning—each chapter grabbed me by the throat and pulled me deeper into its thrilling world. If you’re a fan of edge-of-your-seat suspense and masterfully crafted stories, this is hands down one of the best novels I've read this year! Highly recommend!

Wow just wow I have no words
This is a masterpiece literally couldn’t love it more
I loved everything about this the characters the plot the ending like what !!!
Lovely pace shocking moments twists that blew me away i couldn’t put it down i love it

What a fantastic gripping read, our main character Dr Ellie Spencer is on big journey to help her solve the disappearance of her sister and to finally get closure. It takes us through her day to day of working in a prison which is very insightful as she works with some big characters, it shows the challenges faced when trying to rehabiliate prisoners. You can almost feel the anxiety coming off the pages as you are taken down a road of turns and twists. This interwines her personal life and feelings , but with the added challenges of the outside world and key events that keep happening. I dont want to give any more away! This was consumed within 2 days and i felt that the character development was outstanding, you could get a real feel for the different characters in the book. A great read ! I will be purchasing more of Alice Hunters books. thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my Advanced reader copy it was a pleasure as always !

The Perfect Paychopath is a psychological thriller which follows the life of prison psychologist Ellie and police officer DS Sarah Knight. The multi pov story is fast paced and hooks you in quickly. The story starts with the missing sister of Ellie from years previously, and builds quickly on.

The story has lots of interesting characters, and is set up well to make you question everything and everyone. The level of detail relating to the prison systems and structure is good, and is reflective of strong author knowledge and research, this really adds to the story as it makes it feel more realistic.

The main characters face a number of challenges, and the way the story builds around these is good.
The twists keep happening, right to the very end! A must read, I couldn’t put it down!

I enjoyed the way that this story was structured, and it kept me guessing throughout which is perfect as this is exactly what I look for in a book! I really liked the main characters profession and getting to understand more around that throughout the story. I always enjoy a book from Alice Hunter, and I think this is another well written story, perfect to binge over a long weekend, long commute or holiday!

The Perfect Psychopath is a tense, fast-paced thriller that follows Becky, a former police officer desperate to expose the dark truth about her manipulative ex-husband. Alice Hunter crafts a chilling story of power, gaslighting, and the fight to be believed. Though some may wish for deeper insight into the antagonist, the suspense and emotional stakes make this a gripping read from start to finish.

Oh my gah!!;;; 10 out of 10!!!!!!! I own all books by this author. This one is by far my favorite one!!!! Want twists? Turns? Can't put it down? This one is for you!!!

You ever read a book that when you get to the end of it your mouth hangs open in surprise and you think to yourself what in the world did I just read? Well the Perfect Psychopath by Alice Hunter is one of those books .

The story about a missing sister and the convoluted attempt to find out what happened to her takes place from the viewpoint of the older sister who is also a psychologist who works with serial killers .

It's a very different kind of psychological thriller and detective story because we see the internal thoughts and actions of family, as well as join the entire police case.

As an ARC reader for Netgalley I was able to read this book before it was published and it was definitely a treat . I got completely caught up in following the case at the same time seeing into the mind of serial killers .

Despite that I was completely unprepared for the twists .

I give the book 4 stars and recommend it to anyone looking for a good murder mystery with a side of psychological tension.

Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins Publishers for such a great pleasure .

A fabulous twisty book which I just couldn't put down. I love Alice's books and this one is right up there with her others. The story kept me guessing right until the end. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley and Avon Books for arc I loved it, it was fast paced, very gripping couldn’t stop reading it, I loved the plot and the twist and turns and the characters the ending I didn’t see that coming can’t wait to read more of books of the Alice wrote I have a few of her books on bookshelves

This was an extremely addictive thriller that kept me guessing until the very last chapter!

Dr Ellie Spencer is a psychologist working in a prison. 10 years ago, her younger sister Grace went missing and her family are still looking for answers as to what happened to her. Now, a young woman is found murdered and Grace’s necklace is found at the scene. Ellie is now drawn into the investigation, and finds herself spending more time with convicted serial killer, Lucas Hayne, whose MO is similar to that of the new killer.

Her interviews with Lucas become more and more disturbing as he seems to know more about her past than he should.. and warns her that the truth may be closer to home than she realises.

It is interesting reading that Alice Hunter worked in prison intervention programmes – you could tell from the descriptions of Ellie’s work in the prison that there was a lot of personal experience of the environment and how working in a prison really is.

This was such a great page-turner and a very enjoyable read. I found the missing chunks of Ellie’s memory maybe could have done with a bit more of an explanation, other than being convenient for the narrative! But looking past that, it was a great story and perfect psychological thriller!

Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read this book in return for an honest review. I always enjoy an Alice Hunter story and this new one did not disappoint. A fast paced psychological thriller full of exciting twists and plot surprises. I really enjoyed the strong female lead characters and the depth of the story. The ending was very well written and tied up all the elements perfectly. Highly recommend. 5 stars

An absolutely riveting read from one of my favourite authors. I devoured every page from start to finish. Thanks to the author, Avon Books Uk and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this fabulous book. A 5* read.

Dr. Eleanor Spencer, is tasked with finding the cause of why women are going missing.

As a forensic psychologist, she has seen the worse but this case seems more personal. Her sister disappeared years ago and she discovers there may be a connection to the cases.

This is a clever and well developed plot. It is gripping and intriguing and I loved how the story unfolded. I was hooked from the very start and I loved getting to know Ellie. She is accomplished woman and is dedicated to her job.

I cannot wait to read more about her.

This book follows Ellie a psychologist who is hoping to find out about her sisters disappearance and probable murder it follows a few narratives, Ellie, the detective in the book and their is also journal entries. I enjoyed the story however i did have an incline as to who done it. Thank you for advanced copy.

The Perfect Psychopath is an engaging psychological thriller with a clever plot and a strong female lead. Dr. Eleanor Spencer finds herself pulled into an investigation that gets more personal the deeper she goes. The connection to her past added an extra layer of intrigue, and her interactions with Lucas Hayne were some of the most interesting parts.

The pacing is steady, with plenty of moments that make you question who can be The way the story unfolds still kept me turning the pages. I also appreciated how Ellie’s professional background tied into the mystery, giving the investigation a unique perspective.

A solid read for fans of thrillers with layered characters, psychological tension, and a satisfying ending that ties everything together.

The Perfect Psychopath by Alice Hunter is a gripping psychological thriller that keeps readers hooked from start to finish. Dr. Eleanor Spencer, a respected forensic psychologist, has a seemingly perfect life until a series of women begin to disappear. As the body count rises, Ellie’s past resurfaces, and she is forced to confront the terrifying possibility that the real monster may be closer than she ever imagined.

Hunter crafts a fast-paced narrative filled with unexpected twists and cleverly placed clues, leading readers through a labyrinth of deception and mystery. The mixed media format—featuring alternating character viewpoints, diary entries, newspaper clippings, and case files—adds depth to the story, enhancing its immersive nature. The multiple perspectives and misleading clues keep readers second-guessing at every turn.

With its complex characters and relentless suspense, The Perfect Psychopath is a must-read for anyone who enjoys psychological thrillers that challenge every assumption and keep you guessing until the very end.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

Another amazing book by Alice hunter, again I shouldn’t be surprised as all her books are fantastic from start to finish!
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The Perfect Psychopath by Alice Hunter is a twisty, addictive thriller that keeps you guessing until the last page. Psychologist Ellie Spencer gets drawn into a chilling investigation that forces her to confront her sister’s disappearance—and a serial killer who might know more than he’s saying. With mind games, shocking reveals, and an ending I NEVER saw coming, this book had me hooked. If you love psychological suspense (and don’t mind losing sleep), don’t miss this one.

This was a fab read! The plot had me hooked instantly, it was fast paced and full of twists and turns. I found the characters to be believable which isn’t always the case with a thriller and the ending was really good. Would definitely recommend!

The Perfect Psychopath by Alice Hunter delves deeply into the work of psychologist Dr Ellie Spencer, who is seeking answers on the inside from a convicted serial killer, Lucas Hayne, following the disappearance of several women. The case dredges up the unresolved disappearance of her sister years before, and Ellie finds herself locked in a series of mind games with the convicted man. Can he give her the answers she so desperately seeks and, if so, at what cost?

Alice Hunter can always be relied upon to deliver a compelling, edge of your seat pacey thriller, and she has done it once again with The Perfect Psychopath. 4.5 stars

Many thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for an ARC.

The Perfect Psychopath is a roller coaster read that has you hooked from the first to the last page.

The pace is fast, the characters are shady and ladies are getting murdered.

Ella is a psychologist at the local prison ( and she has her own demons) and a local police detective has asked for her help.

The town is full of secrets, lies and subterfuge.

No one is safe.

I did not who to believe or who to cheer for . Not that any of them deserved being cheered for.

I will leave the journey down the twisted path up to the reader but be prepared to read The Perfect Psychopath in one sitting.

Thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK/Avon for the privilege of reading and reviewing another gripping read from Alice Hunter.

I was gripped by the complex, multi-layered plot. The author uses her experience as a psychologist to add realism to the story. There was a lot going on and the action seemed quite slow in places. The twists at the end were totally unexpected. Overall, a thrilling read.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

The Perfect Psychopath by Alice Hunter is a gripping psychological thriller that will keep you hooked from start to finish. Dr. Eleanor Spencer, a respected forensic psychologist, is drawn into a chilling investigation when a series of women begin to disappear. As the body count rises, Eleanor’s past resurfaces, and she is forced to confront a terrifying truth— the real monster might be closer than she ever imagined. With unexpected twists and turns, the narrative is fast-paced, and the clues are cleverly placed, leading readers down a winding path of deception and mystery.

What sets this novel apart is its fascinating characters, who are far more complex than they initially seem. The mixed media format, with alternating character POVs, diary entries, newspaper clippings, and case files, is expertly executed and adds a unique depth to the story. The multiple perspectives and false clues keep you second-guessing at every turn, making The Perfect Psychopath an incredibly clever and immersive read. This book is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers that challenge your every assumption.

I absolutely loved this book . I’ve read a few from this author and this one doesn’t disappoint. Just when you think you’ve solved the plot off it goes in another direction and I definitely didn’t expect the ending at all . I would definitely recommend this book and give it 5 stars , I can’t wait for the next

The Perfect Psychopath by Alice Hunter is a gripping thriller that pulled me in and I just had to read till I couldn't. Fell asleep reading this and couldn't put it down. Another fab book by Alice. Although sometimes the povs were a little confusing but loved it so much. Cannot wait to read more from Alice as this was my first book by her. I'm now looking into her backlist

This is a slow burner, gritty thriller that I ultimately enjoyed. It’s definitely a slow burner bits it’s worth persevering with! I really enjoyed it and didn’t predict the twists at all!

My first Alice book and not my last!

I found it more of a slow thriller but I thought it worked really well, it wasn't fast paced and action packed that keeps your heart rate up the entire time.

Alice Hunter books always shock me. Every time I pick one up I think I am going to work it all out… but I never do. Full of brilliant twists, dodgy characters and just superb storytelling The Perfect Psychopath kept me up well past bedtime to finish. I was completely blindsided once again and I loved it. With a title like that I knew that I would.

A psychologist working in a prison with plenty of her own demons and secrets. A tragedy in her past that comes back when a series of murders happen and the police ask for her help. I don’t want to say too much as I really think you just need to read it and find out for yourself.

Thanks so much to Avon Books UK for my advanced copy of this book to read. Published on May 22nd.

Another masterpiece from Alice Hunter.
A real edge of your seat read full of twists and turns.
Just loved it, the characters, the storyline and the ending.
My thanks to netgalley and the publisher for my copy.

THE PERFECT PSYCHOPATH HIDES IN PLAIN SIGHT… The mind is a dangerous place to hide… Dr Eleanor Spencer is a well respected psychologist with a seemingly perfect life. But when a series of women start to vanish, it dredges up memories of her sister’s unsolved disappearance and she finds herself drawn into the investigation! Fantastic read! This book had great suspense, gruesome murders, mystery, intriguing, chilling thriller, a great who done it and a few crazy twists! The storyline was very interesting! I highly recommend reading this book! Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me!

The Perfect Psychopath is a complicated, twisted thriller that had me up all night reading and thinking! It follows a Dr who has to engage with prisoners and it gets nasty. It has the right amount of fear. I flew through it in a few hours.

The Perfect Psychopath by Alice Hunter, published by Avon Books UK /Harper Collins UK, is a complex, complicated thriller full og unexpected twists and turns, including multiple characters and this end I never ever had expected.
A bit confusing at first, detailed, langatmig tells the story of Ellie, an psychologist, and her sister:
- Sara a cop, and her investigation and the danger that brings to her doorstep and the interwoven bonds the two women have.
Intriguing, literally unputdownable, 5 stars.

Wow what did Ii just read!!! What a ride we went on. I loved the characters, the storyline and especially the ending. I devoured this book. Brilliant.

Thanks to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for an early release of this book.

Couldn't put it down, I read into the late hours of the night devoured the whole book in a day! I simply couldn't go to bed until I knew how it would end… I was sitting there with my mouth wide open and mind blown.

LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT!!!!!! You will not believe the twists and you will not guess the ending no matter how hard you try! THIS BOOK MUST BE READ BY EVERYONE.

The ending had me saying, “WHHAAAATTTTT?!?!?!?” Such an amazing twist… I. Could. Not. Stop. Reading… This ending will stick with me.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ from me!

This is my first Alice Hunter book and it was great! I loved the mixed media aspects, some case files, diary entry’s, mysterious POV chapters and newspaper clippings. I think it adds a layer to the story. The immersion into the role of a forensic psychologist was fab too and I read that the author worked in a prison and this really showed. It starts quite quickly, it was a little slower in the middle but it ended up like a suspenseful whodunit as it got near the end.

A psychological thriller that drew me in and captivated me from the start. It took me a long while to even have the correct suspicions, but I'd never have guessed the outcome. Dr Eleanor Spencer is a prison psychologist working with serial killers. Her own sister, Grace, went missing 5 years previously and now a new case is showing links. DS Sarah Knight was on the original case and is involved once more. Ellie's husband Mike worries about her being drawn into it all over again. Are Ellie and Sarah too close to what's happening now? What is the link with serial killer Lucas Haynes, behind bars for 12 years at this point? How can he be involved? So many strands. A great read. #netgalley #theperfectpsychopath

This book had me hooked from start to finish! It’s a fantastic read, and you’ll be surprised by the twist at the end—you might think you know who the killer is, but it turns out to be someone else entirely.

I found this book half read from last year so sorry for the late review!
Thank you to Netgalley for my ARC. I love Alice Hunter so I had to request this one.
I loved the twists and turns but it was a slog for me. It took too long for some of the plots to unravel for me. It was another clever story but not my favourite.

Thank you Netgalley, Alice Hunter and Avon Books UK | Avon for the eArc of The Perfect Psychopath.

Alice Hunter really knows how to write a rollercoaster of a psychological thriller with some great, well build characters. I could not put this down with the engaging twists, the winding up of tension and trying to figure out who is the "perfect " psychopath. The answers, once they come is well executed and there is some good foreshadowing. I will definitely pick up more of Alice Hunter's books in the future.

4 stars

I have read quite a few of Alice Hunter's books and this one didn't disappoint.

Dr Eleanor Spencer is a psychologist that works with prisoners, especially those that are serving life sentences for murder. But she has her own heartache, her sister went missing many years ago and her family has never been the same since.

One day the police arrive and Eleanor thinks that finally her sister has been found but although a body has been found it is not her sister but some of her sisters belongings have been found on the body. Suddenly Eleanor finds herself being pulled into an active police murder investigation. Could her life be in danger? Is it someone that she knows?

This is a great mystery thriller that will have you questioning everyone. Plenty of twists and some great characters.

Thank you to Avon Books and NetGalley for a digital copy of this book.

A really twisty story that I found quite hard to put down. Was a perfect weekend read when the weather was a bit miserable. The plot was really good as well and the characters were all likeable which is always good- nothing worst than reading a book with an irritating character.

Dark, gripping and addictive.

Hunter is back and with another great book for readers. I love a Hunter book because I know I’m going to be pulled into a story that will be unpredictable.

Hunter really transported me with this one and I found it was completely brilliant. This is definitely the best book to date. Hunter really gets better and better.

This had been a brilliant read with twists placed to keep the reader guessing. I loved how quickly I devoured this, there was no putting this down.

I have no hesitation in recommending this.

Dark, unsettling, and utterly gripping, The Perfect Psychopath is a psychological thriller that gets under your skin.

This is a fast-paced read that delves into manipulation, control, and the dangerous masks people wear. The tension builds steadily, with an atmosphere that feels claustrophobic and intense. I found myself constantly questioning motivations and second-guessing characters, which is exactly what I want from a psychological thriller.

The author does a great job of balancing plot with psychological insight, making the story feel both disturbing and compelling. It’s not a comfortable read — but it’s a very effective one.

A chilling and addictive thriller for fans of dark psychological fiction.

Fantastic twisty thriller that had me looking over my shoulder. Alice has a way of you thinking that it's a predictable story and then BAM you're hit with a twist out of nowhere that makes you gasp. I really like thrillers from a psychologists point of view so this was perfection. One I'll recommend to many.

I love when a thriller balances pace with depth, and this one hits that sweet spot perfectly. Hunter’s writing is sharp and atmospheric, and she doesn’t rely on shock value — the tension comes from how meticulously everything is crafted.
The character work is brilliant too. You’re not only watching the investigation unfold, you’re piecing together breadcrumbs and second-guessing every assumption. The chapters that dip into the killer’s perspective are chilling in the best way, and the slow escalation had me devouring “just one more” until I finished it in a single sitting.

The twists land. The dread builds. And the final reveal is one of those moments where you have to sit back and say, “Oh… THAT’S what she was doing.” It’s so clever.

I read this ARC for an honest review
All thoughts and opinions are mine

This is a new author to me
I absolutely loved this
Couldn't put this down

Loved the style of writing and was so absorbing

This thriller gripped me from page one! Twists kept coming, and the suspense never let up. A must-read for fans of edge-of-your-seat action. Highly recommend!

This is a good phycological thriller, totally blurring the lines between good and bad, victim and perpetuator. I thought the start was a little slow for my liking however once it got going it was full of twists that kept me engaged

This book is a massive shocker that throws you completely off balance! It's a dark thriller about a psychologist who works with serial killers inside a prison.

Her own sister disappeared years ago, and she always feared the killer might be right there, one of her patients. When the police find a body, her story gets darker than she could ever imagine. The book is an intense, fast-paced race to find the truth, but she quickly realises that knowing the answer might be the end of everything. This story is completely gripping, shocking, and takes you exactly where you don't expect to go.

I really enjoyed The Perfect Psychopath by Alice Hunter. I found it to be a slow burner to begin with but once the twists and turns started, I just could not put it down.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for my ARC.

This is the perfect crime thriller book. Absolutely addictive and a great insight into the human mind. Loved the psychological elements to this book.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC!
The Perfect Psychopath is a chilling, intelligent thriller that does more than just entertain—it challenges how we think about evil, empathy, and the human mind. Alice Hunter crafts a suspenseful story that keeps you on edge, but beneath the tension lies something far more intriguing: a nuanced exploration of psychopathy.

Rather than painting her characters in black and white, Hunter blurs the lines between predator and victim, showing how psychopathy isn’t always what we imagine it to be. Through careful character development and unsettling realism, she invites readers to understand rather than simply fear. You see how charm, manipulation, and detachment can coexist with intelligence and control—and how society often overlooks the signs until it’s too late.

The suspense builds quietly, fed by Hunter’s psychological insight. Every decision, every interaction feels like a clue not just to the mystery, but to the workings of the mind itself. By the time the final twist lands, you’re left questioning not only the characters’ morality, but your own assumptions about what makes someone “a psychopath.”

The Perfect Psychopath isn’t just a dark and gripping read—it’s an eye-opening reminder that understanding psychopathy is essential if we ever hope to recognize it in real life. Hunter delivers both thrills and thought, proving that the most terrifying monsters are often the ones we don’t fully understand

I love and primarily read thrillers, some can feel repetitive but this definitely did not. I love the author and will read anything of theirs.
Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book.

Well written, on the edge of your seat thriller. This is a good one for sure. Make you want to finish in one read.

The Perfect Psychopath by Alice Hunter

I’ll be honest- at first, I wasn’t sure about this book when I first started to read. It starts off as a slow burn, but knowing Alice Hunter’s previous work, I trusted it would be worth it, and it definitely was. The story builds gradually, pulling you in until the shocking twist at the end, a reveal that was both sneaky and surprising.

If you enjoy psychological thrillers that build suspense and deliver a shocking finale, this is one you won’t want to miss.

An addictive and twisty thriller that is hard to put down. Looking forward to reading more from this author. A huge thanks to Avon Books for this ARC. Highly recommended!

LOVED IT, gripped from start to finish, have loved everything so far by Alice, definitely an auto buy author for me! 5*

The story delves into the mind of a seemingly charming yet dangerous individual, exploring themes of deception, manipulation, and the darker aspects of human nature. Hunter's writing is suspenseful and gripping, with well-crafted twists that maintain tension throughout. The characters are complex and multifaceted, adding depth to the narrative. Overall, it is a compelling read for fans of psychological thrillers looking for a story that challenges perceptions and keeps them guessing until the very end.

I really enjoyed this book. Dr Ellie Spencer is a psychologist working with criminals at the local prison. When a woman is found murdered there appears to be a link to Ellie and her sister who disappeared without trace 5 years ago. Ellie is working with a serial killer, Lucas Hayne, and he seems to know a lo about Ellie's private life, enjoying trying to get a reaction from her. Th police ask her to try to get an insight in to this latest series of murders from Hayne. This is a fast paced story which will keep you on the edge of your seat to the end. There is also a twist you won't see coming!
Thanks to NetGalley for a preview copy.
Copied to Goodreads.

Good story but I found it didn't grab my attention such that I couldn't put it down.
Definitely worth reading though.

This was a great read from Hunter: so easy to not put down! Admittedly, it was a bit slow to get started but this just played into the simmering atmosphere that gradually increased. Like a pot of boiling water, by the final few chapters my brain could barely keep up with my eyes as I read the conclusion so fast. It is definitely a book you will not want to put down.

The early parts of the book reminded me of a television series whereby agents are interviewing known serial killers, trying to get into their psyche and understand their behaviours to help prevent future crimes. In this case, Ellie works as a psychologist and her interviews with Lucas – known as the ‘Silent Strangler’ – are pretty intense. She unwinds thanks to the long commute and then “brain dumping” in her journals.

Yet, Ellie is not completely satisfied with life. Her sister disappeared several years ago, the police investigation now cold. Ellie is still trying to find answers and it is clear that her career path is one of the ways in which she is trying to find leads and gain closure. However, women are starting to get killed in a similar way to the Silent Strangler and Ellie is disturbed by the possible connection it may have with her missing sister. How can this be when he is incarcerated? Who else might be involved? As the clues move closer to her, Ellie believes that there is a message that she needs to understand.

Once Hunter has established the characters and narrative, I felt really drawn into the story. There are a lot of ambiguities and this meant I was suspicious of far too many characters – a great sign of a good story. The mystery behind Grace’s disappearance is cleverly woven into the current murders and I was convinced Ellie was correct that there was a link to be discovered. On the other hand, some of Ellie’s journal entries reveal a more sinister side to Ellie and I liked how this raised even more questions.

The narrative also switches to following the police officer who was also involved in Grace’s investigation. I liked how this provided a different element to the story, particularly as it becomes clear that Sarah has secrets of her own. Not only that, Hunter demonstrates the difficulties of being a single mum and the guilt that Sarah faces for not being there for her daughter in times of need, versus trying to juggle the demands of work.

Hunter brings alive the police investigation and prison environment, without it being too overwhelming. Indeed, it felt rather realistic and I think this was helped by the portrayal of the immense workloads that fewer resources can handle. A stretched police force, a lack of officers in the prison and characters trying to manage more than they can handle creates a pressurised environment – reflected by the intensity of the narrative.

A great read that really pulled me in. I enjoyed the mix of characters and how journal entries and mysterious characters were brought into the story. I had plenty of questions and loved how the story came together with a very surprising ending.

With thanks to Avon and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Perfect Psychopath drew me in immediately. It was full of suspense, mystery, secrets, lies, and betrayal.

The novel was compelling and intriguing, with clever twists and turns that I didn't see coming. I liked the different aspects of the book, that they were like a few sub-genres rolled into one, with police procedural, stalker, serial killer, and prison psychologist making up the complex storyline.

I liked that it was told from different perspectives, one being the serial killer.
I loved Ellie and Sarah. They were both charismatic, smart, and strong.


This is the fourth book I've read from Alice Hunter, the others being: The Serial Killer's Wife, The Serial Killer's Daughter, The Serial Killer's Sister & Bad Apple, which were also fantastic reads. Alice always surprises me with her twists, and The Perfect Psychopath is no exception. I was genuinely shocked by that ending.

I highly recommend.

4 stars from me. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Netgalley, Avon Books UK, and Alice Hunter for the chance to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is a slow-burn suspenseful novel, filled with many dark twists and a jaw-dropping epilogue. At times I thought I had it all worked out, only for there to be another twist.

I was hooked throughout and eager to finish so I could know everything.

A gripping book and highly recommended.

I absolutely loved reading this! This chilling psychological thriller grabbed me from the start and kept me on edge until the final page. The story follows Dr. Eleanor Spencer, a respected psychologist whose seemingly perfect life unravels when women start disappearing, stirring up memories of her sister’s unsolved vanishing. 🕵️‍♀️

What made this book so gripping was the intense psychological cat-and-mouse game between Ellie and Lucas Hayne, a convicted serial murderer. The way Lucas toys with Ellie, dropping cryptic hints about her past, had me glued to the pages. The twist about the "real monster" being closer than she thinks was jaw-dropping—I didn’t see it coming! 🤯 The plot masterfully blends Ellie’s professional expertise with her personal vulnerabilities, making her both relatable and fascinating.

Hunter’s writing is superbly paced, with short, tension-packed chapters that made it impossible to stop reading. The exploration of Ellie’s unraveling psyche as she confronts a killer’s mind games was both creepy and compelling. I also loved how the story kept me guessing about who to trust—every character felt like a potential threat. 🔍

This twist-filled thriller delivers a slow-burn suspense that rewards patient readers with a jaw-dropping epilogue. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, the story pivots in an unexpected direction, keeping even seasoned thriller readers on their toes. The pacing builds steadily, creating a tension that simmers beneath the surface until everything unravels in the final pages with shocking clarity.

Despite having read many thrillers, I found myself completely off track; my instincts failed me in the best way. The unpredictability, layered plotting, and final twist make this a standout in the genre. If you’re a fan of thrillers that truly surprise you, this one is absolutely worth your time. Highly recommended.

Wow this book spun me on my head by the end and took me somewhere I did not expect. This is a dark thriller about a prison psychologist who specialises in serial killers. After her sister went missing presumed dead she is convinced her killer may be sat in the very prison she works and when she gets a visit from the police saying they have found a body her story is darker than she could ever imagine and finding the truth may just be the end of everything for her unless she is careful. Is the truth worth loosing everyone?

Slow start but with the character building and overall intensity it was great. Gave me chills. Thanks to NetGalley, publishers and the Author Alice Hunter.

This took a while to get going, but I stuck with it as what I had read about this book sounded good and just what I like. I would say the second half was very good. The characters were likeable and appeared work relatable by their attitude, so it was a shock when I got towards the end and found that these good, grounded characters were anything but! It made the story, though, so I enjoyed the last half of this book immensely. If you don’t mind a slow start, then get it on your to-read list.

Alice Hunter is one of my all time favourite authors, so when I got the chance to read The Perfect Psychopath I could not wait to delve straight in.

We meet main female character Eleanor Spencer who is a forensic psychologist and she makes for an interesting and complex character. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Eleanor and thought that she was a well developed character.

Women start vanishing and Eleanor is pulled into the investigation of what has happened to these women.

Alice Hunter's novels are always gripping and easy to read and The Perfect Psychopath was no exception.

Thanks to Netgalley, the publishers and the author for allowing me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

As with all of the books by Alice Hunter this was a totally engrossing read and one that was very difficult to put down, I just needed to keep reading and find out the answers!
At the heart of this story is the mystery of what happened to Grace five years ago, her disappearance seems to have been the nexus upon which all the actions being taken currently originated. As we follow Ellie and Sarah through the investigation we learn of just how many threads connect people involved in the investigation to Grace and the truth of who she was. Should she put any weight on Lucas’ statements that it is someone close to home for Ellie that is responsible or is he just toying with her, how much can you trust the words of a convicted serial killer?

A great book where rather than her just chasing a serial killer she is using one to help her to catch one. Each character their own motive and reason for being the killer. Gripping read.

Thank you to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

Dr. Ellie is a psychologist who works in a mens prison with many criminals who are in prison for life for crimes such as murder. Ellie also has a sister, Grace, who disappeared without trace. The disappearance of Grace has kept Ellie hopeful of finding out what happened to her. Until, a police detective informs Ellie of a fresh murder that could potentially be linked to red to her sister. Ellie is determined to do whatever it takes to find out where her sister is.

The first part of this book was quite slow, yet built up the characters in the story so you had a better idea of them, and where they fit in with the story. The characters well written, although sometimes both Ellie and the police officer didnt do their jobs very well. The writing flowed well, but this story was definitely a slow burn, but had some twists within.

The Perfect Psychopath is a chilling and expertly paced psychological thriller that delves into the mind of a dangerously deceptive character. Alice Hunter crafts a gripping tale filled with suspense, manipulation, and jaw-dropping twists. With sharp writing and a sinister edge, this novel keeps you questioning what’s real until the very end. A dark and addictive read for fans of clever, character-driven thrillers.

I think this is my favourite book by Alice Hunter. Not to say the others weren’t good but this one completely captivated me from start to finish.

Lived up to the previous books by Alice. Just as engaging and fast paced yet I really enjoyed this one most so far!

Well written psychological book that is told from different peoples view points. It is a book that looks at why people kill and how they can be caught. I liked the dropping of information in along the way and how I really thought I’d sussed the ending out until the ermmmm ending when I was left jaw clamping! Definitely one to buy and read. You will not be disappointed.

I first came across Alice Hunter when I read 'Bad Apple' earlier this year, and just knew I'd love anything by this author from there on. Hunter's writing is dark, gripping and addictive!

In 'The Perfect Psychopath' we are quickly drawn into the lives of two female main characters, Ellie who is a forensic psychologist & Sarah a detective inspector. Ellie's sister, Grace, went missing five years ago and there has been no developments or body found, until a new murder occurs and the victim is found wearing Ellie's sisters' necklace. Sarah was the detective leading the investigation into Grace's disappearance and since the new murder, asks Ellie to be involved in the investigation too by spending more time questioning a specific prisoner that is in the prison in which she works. Ellie believes she may get some answers regarding her sister if she agrees to help, specifically since her sisters necklace was found, Throughout the story there are more murders with the same MO.. and Sarah and Ellie work together to find the answers and come closer to finding the killer

This story grips you from the very beginning and is very well planned and plotted. The characters are well portrayed and I enjoyed immersing myself within their worlds. The twist in this thriller is gut wrenching, and not something I predicted or caught on to at all.. in fact my predictions were completely wrong. I really do believe that Alice Hunter's background in psychology really adds to the authenticity of this book! This book did not disappoint, although I did find it a little hard going in the middle, I felt a little slumpy maybe because of the themes or maybe just personal circumstances, however I still very much enjoyed this read and will continue to be a big fan of Alice Hunter.

Thank you to @netgalley @avonbooksuk & @alicehunter_author

I highly recommend this book!. It had all the ingredients of a great thriller. I love Alice Hunter and this book did not disappoint. It was full of interesting characters and lots of unexpected twists and turns.

Fun fact, I’ve been working in mental health in a prison setting for almost 20 years so I LOVED the premise of this book. This is the 3rd @alicehunter_author book I’ve read and it was absolutely packed with twists up until the last page which is something I’ve come to expect with her books. This is a quick and easy read and I highly recommend you add this and her other books to your tbr!

First of all thank you for approving my request!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The authors writing style had me hooked throughout this book.

I didn't want it to end, a book I really couldn't put down.

I really enjoyed trying to figure out who the killer was and enjoyed the interview parts. It was full of twists and turns and made me want to read more. I really enjoyed the characters and am excited to read more from this author.

Thank you, Harper Collin’s publishers, and NetGalley for the advance copy of this book.

Every time I read a book; I made a judgement about who I think the ‘killer’ is. I write it down in my notebook and leave it there until the end. I did that with this book. Boy, was I wrong!

Alice Hunter, author of the ‘Serial Killer’ series and ‘Bad Apple,’ has delivered again. In fact, I’d go as far as to say, that this is the best book so far. Using her own background as a nurse, along with her completion of a psychology degree and working in a prison, Alice has served up a masterpiece.

Here is a brief synopsis: Dr. Eleanor Spencer, a renowned forensic psychologist, appears to have it all. She has a thriving career and a seemingly flawless life. However, her world is shattered when a string of disappearances echoes the haunting memory of her sister’s vanishing some years ago. Drawn into the investigation, Ellie’s own fears and past traumas resurface.

As the number of missing women grows, Ellie’s once-solid ground crumbles under mounting paranoia. To unearth the truth, she must plunge into the psyche of a deranged killer. Her journey leads her to Lucas Hayne, a notorious serial predator now imprisoned. Yet, it is Lucas cryptically suggests that the key to unlocking the killer’s identity lies hidden within Ellie’s own history.

This book is written in classic Alice Hunter style. Using a mixed media style such as case files, newspaper clippings, school year books and the varying point of view chapters, the story is told well and keeps you engrossed the whole way through. The pace of the story is electric and consumes you, encouraging you to keep going, never to stop reading.

The immersion into the world of psychology research adds a layer of nuance to the chapters that is an added bonus. The characters are rounded and well versed in their respective roles, evident through the words on the page. As you read the book, you can almost visualise the person you’re reading about.

Alice Hunter has delivered again. Impossible to put this one down.

This is the third Alice Hunter book I have read and I have loved them all and this one is I think my favourite so far. Dr Eleanor Spenser works in a prison as a forensic Psychologist working with murderers but she also has secrets and a past tragedy. Women are disappearing and then found dead and Eleanor is asked by the Police to help them .Full of twists and turns and a very unexpected but brilliant ending which left me gasping !!Thank you to NetGalley for my ARC .

Thank you to Netgalley and Avon Books UK | Avon for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I loved this book so much that I read it in one sitting. I had to know what was going to happen. I enjoyed the storyline and thought the characters had great growth. I would definitely recommend this book.

The perfect psychopath hides in plain sight. Dr Eleanor Spence works with high profile serial killers, and in the wake of a series of murders, she is tasked by police to help locate the killer. She is personally motivated by the loss of her younger sister, and confused hiw items relaring tonher sister are lonked to the presebt day cases. Ellie believes the answers lie closely with one of her patients. How can he be helping with these crimes from his prison cell? The answers are staring her in the face. Can she recognise them before any more victims fall prey? This thriller comes with a superb twist. #theperfectpsychopath #alicehunter #netgalley

A cracking read from Alice Hunter. Eleanor Spencer a psychologist is drawn into a case where women are disappearing.. This book will keep you guessing till the end. Full of twists to make your head spin and well realised characters. I would highly recommend this book. Thanks to Avon books and Netgalley for this review ARC.

Alice Hunter is back with another thriller and in this one we meet Ellie who interviews killers in prison.
Her sister Grace went missing 5 years ago and she is determined to find out what happened.
Sarah is the DS who was in charge of the missing sisters case and now appears back on the scene when more bodies are being found.
Is this a copy cat killer or a partner of Lucas the man currently in prison for previous murders of women?
The setting of the prison was convincing especially as we find out that violence against women and sexual assault reports have gone up x 4 recently.
Good page turner. I will be recommending

The Perfect Psychopath is one of those thrillers where you kinda know exactly where the road is headed, but you still stay in the car because the ride’s interesting enough.

Yes, I saw the ending coming—but watching how it all unraveled was still worth the read. The structure is sharp, the pacing clips along nicely, and the main character’s voice has just enough edge to keep things tense without tipping into melodrama.

It’s not the most unpredictable thriller out there, and some of the reveals land more with a shrug than a gasp—but if you’re into twisty domestic suspense with morally messy characters and an undercurrent of “oh no, you did what now,” this one might be up your alley.

Appreciate the ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review—even if the twist didn’t shock me, the journey kept me intrigued.

I really like Alice Hunter’s style of writing and new as soon as I started this I was going to love it.

Dr Eleanor Spencer is a forensic psychiatrist who’s works closely with serial killers to try and understand their behaviour. Her younger sister Grace went missing 5 years earlier and when evidence at a crime scene links to Grace, DS Knight asks for Ellie’s help in catching the killer. Ellie is desperate for closure and so agrees to help in order to find out what happened to her sister.

The story is told through Ellie and Grace’s POV’s as well as Ellie’s personal and work journal entries.

The story keeps the tension throughout, with Ellie believing she is being watched adding to it. The plot is cleverly told and I really enjoyed the cat and mouse game between Ellie and one of the inmates she works with Lucas.

This story kept me guessing right till the end.

What did I just read?!
That book kept me guessing till the end! Every time I suspected someone, the author quickly mopped that in the bud.
The 3 perspectives of this book (the killer, the cop and the psychologist) make this book really interesting, as it adds both clues and mystery! The character building was great, and showcases the different ways that people deal with trauma.
I’d highly recommend omens this book to anyone looking for a crime thriller, but also an easy read!

I enjoy reading Alice Hunter's books; she clearly knows her stuff when it comes to the inner workings of the mind and this book shows it really well.

I'm not going to go into the plot as the description summarises it perfectly but I will say that it is intriguing and kept me guessing how it was all going to play out. The pace is steady, with the middle being a little slow but ramping up towards the end. The characters are well developed and an eclectic bunch from Ellie herself to the serial killer she is interviewing.

It has some great twists and it definitely kept me reading towards the end. I can quite happily recommend this to lovers of psychological thrillers and many thanks to the author, Avon Books UK and NetGalley for this intriguing book.

Dr Eleanor ‘Ellie’ Spencer is a forensic psychologist working with prisoners serving a life sentence.

One of the incarcerated prisoners she works with is Lucas Hayne. He’s serving a life sentence for multiple murders of women. During one of their sessions, he implies that he might have the knowledge of what happened to Grace, Ellie’s younger sister.

Grace has been missing for the past five years, and no one has heard from her since.

Then, a body of a young woman is found, and Ellie finds herself helping in the police investigation.

As more bodies are found, Ellie starts to think that the link may be closer to home than she originally anticipated…

I love Alice Hunter’s book, and I’m always looking forward to her next read. This book didn’t disappoint. I found myself racing through the pages, trying to figure out what was going to happen next.

The beauty of this author’s writing is that each chapter leaves you wanting to read another page or one more chapter. You can tell that the author has worked in prisons before, as her knowledge of the procedures and psychology is astounding.

Overall, it is a compelling read with a twist at the end.

Many thanks to Avon Books for approving my NetGalley request.

Alice Hunter delivers a tense, addictive thriller in The Perfect Psychopath. The story follows Dr. Eleanor Spencer, a forensic psychologist whose past trauma resurfaces when women start disappearing, and the details echo her sister’s unsolved case.

Eleanor is a deeply flawed, intriguing protagonist, and her interactions with a manipulative convicted killer add a sinister layer to the plot. The pacing is mostly sharp, though it lags briefly in the middle. That said, the final twist completely caught me off guard and made the whole journey worth it.

A chilling exploration of memory, trauma, and deception, perfect for fans of psychological thrillers that keep you guessing.

A truly great psychological story. All the way throughEllie is trying to evaluate other people's minds and what they might have done over the loss of her sister. .Information is added throughout at an excellent pace and the twists continue right unti the end. The story is based upon how we are judging people's character or deep thoughts and why they do the things that they do. All the way through the question s raised who can you trust.
A superb story that starts and ends well.

Alice Hunter has done it again with another one of her binge-worthy suspense thrillers!
The Perfect Psychopath is a tense, taut thriller that pulls you along with it right to the last page.
I loved this book. Once I picked this novel up I didn’t put it down. Read in one sitting.
Not one moment did this book slow down to allow you to catch your breath.
The twist at the ending is so cleverly written that I was left thinking about it for a long time after.
Such an addictive read!

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this arc. Alice Hunter is a go to author for me, I have loved each of her books. What a great thriller. I can't imagine working with criminal minds in the prison, while also hoping to find out what happened to my sister. This was such an engaging thriller

The first couple of chapters set the scene well. We immediately feel really strong concern for Jess, willing her to say the truth. And, obviously, we are instantly enraged by Lewis. He deserves to have a taste of his own medicine.

When Jess speaks up, she is directed to a support group, and this is where she meets a bunch of women who ultimately change her life. The majority of the story is told through the narrative of Jess, so we do get to know her well, and through her, we then get to learn more about the women in the group.

Interspersed through the book is a mysterious point of view of The Caretaker, a secret identity. That first introduction is just wow, shocking. Whilst reading, I was going along with it nicely, and then the incident happened. The eye for an eye, and I just felt a bit unbalanced. Was what the caretaker doing justifiable? I can't say much about The Caretaker in this review as obviously it will give away too much about the plot.

We also get another narrative. And that is from Sophie Salam, the detective who is leading the case that is embroiled in the story. We get to see a work-life balance with Sophie, as she juggles being a detective and being a single mother to an autistic daughter. We are given tiny breadcrumbs of information that Sophie has a secret past.

This story does highlight domestic violence and how, even after speaking up. Sometimes justice isn't served. There is a whole moral debate going on, which I found myself changing my mind all the time with. Again, I can't say too much.

This is the first in a new series, which I didn't find out until the end, and I found that a nice surprise as now I am wondering how far things can go? What is Sophies secret? What about the men in the support groups? Loads of questions that I hope will get answered. I have seen some reviews that state that they felt the ending was rushed. But, given its the first book in a series, I like the ending, and it opens up for the next instalment.

What would you do to find out what happened to your sister? When a more recent crime indicates a possible link with her sister's cold case, Dr Eleanor Spencer is desperate to figure out what it all means. Desperate enough to seek the help of a serial killer - who is playing a cat and mouse game with her, because he knows more than he is telling...

A gripping thriller which manages to throw in multiple red herrings and plenty of twists to deliver a truly satisfying piece of story telling. This one is not to be missed. Look forward to more from this writer!

This had me on edge the entire time.

Ten out of ten for atmosphere, pace, and unsettling psychology. If you're a fan of forensic profiles, manipulative killers, and books that constantly make you second-guess yourself… this one’s for you.

The Perfect Psychopath follows Dr Eleanor Spencer, a respected psychologist whose life is turned upside down when a string of women are murdered — mirroring her own sister’s unsolved disappearance. Desperate, she turns to serial killer Lucas Hayne, whose cryptic mind games suggest the truth may lie closer to home than Ellie ever feared.

Told in dual POV with past journal entries woven in, this was sharp, gripping, and perfectly twisted. I loved the morally grey layers, the buried secrets, and the pacing that had me racing to the end.

I could totally see this being adapted for TV — think The Fall meets Criminal Minds, but with a British noir edge.

I really liked this one, once the story started it was really hard to put down. The twists were really well done and I had no idea what was coming next. Really great book

An excellent psychological thriller about Eleanor a prison psychologist and Lucas a psychopath prisoner who she regularly visits. It appears Lucy's may have been involved in the abduction of Eleanor's sister who disappeared several years ago. Full of twists this book doesn't disappoint.

I really enjoyed this book. I read a lot of thrillers, and therefore it can become really 'samey', formulaic and repetitive. This book was like a breath of fresh air. It kept me reading, it kept me on my toes and I had no idea where the plot was going to next.
Such an original idea, and written in such a style that you don't ever want to put the book down!

I have not enjoyed all of Alice Hunters previous books, but this one was a corker. Thoroughly recommend!

I've absolutely loved this slow-burn phyclogical thriller. Not only is there an older case, of who killed Ellie’s sister, but who is the copycat killer?

Ellie, the psychologist, tries to get into the mind of a psychopath to find out why her sister was murdered.

Full of mind games. I didn't see the reveal coming

This was flippin brilliant. I couldn’t put this down. I love all @alicehunter_author books, but this one feels like the one I didn’t know I was waiting for.

This book is set in a prison - I have got used to reading books set in prisons and having to push aside the thoughts of ‘well that wouldn’t happen’, as I am sure we all do when we read books set in an industry we work in, and thats okay. BUT this book nails it, you can tell the author has the knowledge and experience to do the setting justice and it gives the book such extra authenticity when reading.

The story - Ellie (prison psych) is working with a serial killer in prison. Her sister went missing five years ago. She gets the feeling she is being watched.

I loved the story and the relationship between Ellie and Lucas. The anticipation of if he would trick her into divulging personal information, the games between them.

I would love to see more of Lucas, so @alicehunter_author can we have a prequel with Lucas’s story please?! 😂😁 he is such a great character, it would be a shame not to mine him!

Thanks to @netgalley @avonbooksuk and @alicehunter_author for the ARC.

Intense and terrifying this is a fabulous thriller that keeps you hooked from the very first page. With a plot I wished I had thought of. This book twists and turns to it’s nail biting conclusion.

The Perfect Psychopath is a spellbinding story, unputdownable, twisty, scary and very clever!           💫💫💫💫💫

Dr. Eleanor Spencer is a psychiatrist working in a prison, with very bad men. When women start to vanish, Dr. Spencer will need to face an unsolved case from the past. 

Thank you Netgalley and Avon Books Uk for this ARC. All opinions are entirely my own.

The Perfect Psychopath follows the story of a psychologist Dr. Eleanor Spencer. She is doing a case study on a prisoner, Lucas who is notorious serial killer. Women has started disappearing and their bodies shows the similar death--i.e. Lucas used to kill women in similar fashion and someone seems to be copying what Lucas did. However, every time Ellie tries to interview Lucas, Lucas tries to steer her away from the interview by asking personal questions. Five years ago, Ellie's sister Grace mysteriously disappeared. Now a body of a woman is found wearing Grace's necklace and holding Grace's ID. Together with DS Sarah Knight, Ellie and Sarah must find this copy cat killer before too late.

This was a fast paced thriller, filled with twists and turns. You get snippets of journal entries written by Ellie. You also see a mysterious killer who is seemingly hunting women to kill. This was well written and will really put you at the edge of the seat. I have read this author's The Serial Killer's Wife before which I read in one go and which I really enjoyed and this was also actually really good. Overall, I will give this book a 4.5 star rating.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Avon for the ARC. The review is based on my honest opinion only.

Dr Eleanor Spencer is a respected forensic psychologist with a seemingly perfect life. But when a series of women start to vanish, she's haunted by the memory of her sister's disappearance and she herself drawn into the chilling investigation. As the body count rises and her paranoia deepens, Ellie is forced to delve into the mind of a monster to uncover the truth. Her work leads her to Lucas Hayne, a notorious serial killer now behind bars. But when Lucas cryptically hints that that the key to the killer's identity lies buried in her past. Ellie's world begins to unravel.

Once you open up this book, you get entwined in the pages of this cleverly crafted story.Dr Eleanor Spencer works in a Cat B prison as a forensic psychologist. She's currently working with serial killer Lucas Hayne. Ellie's (Eleanor) sister disappeared five years ago. Then there's a spate of murders that all have the same MO.

This is a chilling read with plenty of twists. I was second guessing throughout the entire book. The pace is fast. There was a few times I had to suspend my beliefs, but i don't mind if the story is good.

Published 22nd May 2o25

I would like to thank #NetGalley #AvonBooksUK and the author #AliceHUnteer for my ARc of #ThePerfectPsychologist in exchange for an honest review.

This book is a perfect edge of the seat thriller. it left me breathless, uneasy and wanting more.
Girls are vanishing and found murdered in horrific circumstances. This is a brilliantly written psychological book, leaving the reader guessing until the end. Alice Hunter has made the story and characters so believable, A serial killer is on the loose, will they get to him in time before he takes another girl?

Huge thanks to Alice Hunter and Avon for providing an eARC via NetGalley; this is my honest review.

Alice Hunter delivers an absolute knockout with The Perfect Psychopath - a taut, chilling psychological thriller that had me completely under its spell. From the first page, this book crawled under my skin and stayed there, dripping with dread and emotional weight.

Dr Eleanor Spencer is exactly the kind of protagonist I gravitate towards - composed, intelligent, and harbouring deep, secret fractures. Her role as a psychologist gives this book a fascinating edge: we’re watching someone trained to understand minds struggle to maintain her grip on her own. The trauma of her sister’s disappearance years ago casts a long shadow, and when women begin vanishing again, that shadow starts to take on teeth.

The inclusion of Lucas Hayne - a convicted serial killer who may or may not be taunting Ellie with clues - is perfectly executed. Their interactions are razor-sharp and unsettling. The power dynamics, the psychological warfare, the tension between what is said and what is suggested - it’s all brilliantly crafted. I felt like I was in the room with them, afraid to breathe.

What elevates this above other thrillers is the emotional intelligence running beneath the horror. Hunter understands that grief, guilt, and fear are their own prisons. The twist, when it comes, feels both shocking and inevitable - a gut punch that made me sit still for a long while after finishing.

This is a story about control, memory, and how trauma echoes through time. But it’s also about strength - about facing the most terrifying parts of yourself and surviving.

The Perfect Psychopath by Alice Hunter is a dark and twisty psychological thriller that kept me guessing until the very end. The story follows Dr. Eleanor Spencer, a prison psychologist haunted by her sister’s disappearance, who gets pulled into a new murder investigation. When a woman is found dead wearing Grace’s necklace, Ellie is forced to confront her past and work with Lucas, a convicted serial killer who might hold the key to everything.
I loved the premise and the creepy, slow-burn tension throughout the book. The twists were shocking, especially near the end, and kept me flipping the pages. However, I struggled to connect with any of the characters and found the pacing a bit too slow at times. Still, the writing is strong and the mystery kept me intrigued. It’s a good read for fans of psychological thrillers.
Very grateful to the publisher for my copy through NetGalley, opinions are my own

Yes it's a fantastic read. I would love to see it as a movie someday. Multi POV's, serial killers, psychopaths, Silence of the Lambs vibes only Lucas (a serial killer) didn't eat his victims- he's a sociopath who loves playing cat and mouse with people, a narcissist that's oh so charming. The twists are so good, you have to read it.

First I want to thank Avon Books UK and Netgalley for this e-ARC

This is my first book by this author and it won’t be my last! This book was amazing! I was instantly hooked and pretty much read this in one sitting.

The writing was fantastic, I instantly fell in love with the authors writing style. This book was a wild ride and the twists and turns were amazingly done. I definitely didn’t see any of these twists coming.

The characters, the storyline, the writing it all just gelled together so well and it was perfect.

Definitely would recommend this book!

Alice Hunter knows how to deliver a twist that will knock you sideways.

This psychological thriller will have you on the edge of your seat, desperately flying through the pages to find out the truth. I devoured this book so fast.

I had my theories, feeling like I was a detective myself, thinking I was able to guess who the killer was. I should have known that I would be wrong.

Hunter beautifully tangles a prison psychologist, a detective and a serial killer together to create a nail biting story reminiscent of Kiss The Girls.

Through multiple pov you get to know Ellie - Dr Eleanor Spencer, prison psychologist; DS Sarah Knight who is investigating a murder; and the killer. The shocking news of a murdered woman starts a journey to hunt for the killer.

This is a must read!

Thank you to Avon books for this advanced copy.

I felt like I was getting whiplash when it came to this book with all of the twists and turns. I was all for it!! It is a slow burn and I don’t mind it but this book overdid it, I went from enjoying the build-up to now wanting it to end, but then also loving the rest of it almost 80% into the book. But the inner true crime lover in me was low-key wishing I can watch this one on an actual screen, I know I am not the only one.

Thank you Netgalley and the Publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

A very clever psychological thriller, great characters, two strong female characters lead the story, Dr Eleanor Spencer, known as Ellie, is a forensic psychologist working in a prison, and DS Sarah Knight, a detective working on the murder cases,
Ellie’s sister disappeared 5 years ago, the police are no closer to finding her, Ellie fears her sister is dead. The police feel the murders of several women recently may be linked to Grave’s disappearance, they have asked Ellie for her help from inside the prison, she is drawn into the investigation, she knows she is putting herself and her career at risk, as she digs into the mind of a serial killer.
There is murder, mystery and suspense with a few good twists which keep the reader guessing. A little unbelievable in places, but overall an enjoyable read.
Many thanks to Net Galley & Avon Books UK for an ARC of this book in exchange for a review. This is my first book by author,

3.5 stars
This is a good psychological thriller, but is a slow burner.
Ellie is a psychologist who works with prisoners and there's one in particular who features heavily in this book, Lucas.
Ellie's sister Grace has been missing for five years and both her and her Mum have been affected by this.
DS Sarah Knight contacts Ellie out of the blue, and tells her that a woman has been murdered and she had a necklace belonging to Grace.
DS Knight tells Ellie that they think this means Grace is dead, but they haven't found her body.
Ellie works with the Police and tries to get information from Lucas as he indicates he knows about the recent murders, and Grace.
This is a good read but not one of my favourites from Alice Hunter.
Thanks to Avon Books for the opportunity to read this book.

Great slow burn as we follow Dr Eleanor Spencer who keeps her missing sister secret as she interviews serial killers and psychopaths at her day job at the local prison. When women again begin turning up dead with ritual links to former murders committed by one of her current patients, it’s a race against time to figure it out.

This book introduced lots of suspects and asked lots of questions, leading to genuine surprise at the end when everything was revealed. Not always easy to do.

I was eager to dive into “The Perfect Psychopath”. The premise immediately grabbed my attention: a respected psychologist, Dr. Eleanor Spencer, caught in a web of serial murders that seem connected to her own past, especially her sister’s mysterious disappearance. The idea of a killer knowing more than he should, and Ellie turning to a notorious inmate to get inside the mind of a monster, sounded like a recipe for a gripping psychological thriller.
Overall, I found the book to be a slow burn, taking its time to develop the characters and the plot. While that didn’t bother me too much, I did feel at times I struggled to connect deeply with the characters. Ellie, the main protagonist, is a well-respected forensic psychologist working in prison, and her internal struggles are compelling, but I felt some of her motivations and reactions could have been explored more fully to give her greater depth.
The storyline kept me turning pages, especially as the bodies started piling up and the connections to Ellie’s sister’s disappearance became more apparent. The dual perspectives—Ellie’s investigations and DS Sarah Knight’s detective work—added layers to the narrative and helped maintain a good pace. I especially appreciated the prison setting, which felt authentic and well-drawn, adding a gritty realism to the suspense.
That said, I did find some elements a bit of a stretch. For example, Ellie’s sudden lapses in memory or her seeming forgetfulness about key details related to the case felt a little too convenient and not sufficiently explained. It was a bit frustrating because it detracted from the plausibility and left some plot points feeling unresolved.
The characters, in general, lacked a bit of depth for my taste. None of them really came alive in a way that made me feel fully invested, which slightly diminished the overall tension. Additionally, while there were some good twists that kept me guessing until the end, I felt the story could have been more intense and emotionally charged, something I typically look for in a psychological thriller.
Despite these minor critiques, I enjoyed the premise and the suspenseful build-up. Hunter’s writing style is engaging, and I appreciated the exploration of the dark minds behind these crimes. It’s not my favourite of her books, but I still found it a worthwhile read, especially if you enjoy a slower-paced, character-driven mystery with some clever twists.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of The Perfect Psychopath in exchange for a review.

THE PERFECT PSYCHOPATH HIDES IN PLAIN SIGHT

This book had me gripped, and asking so many questions from the start. Who? Why? How? How are all of these puzzle pieces connected? I found it so interesting to get the story from both Ellie, and Sarah's POV, especially with Ellie delving into the minds of killers through her job.

I could not have predicted who the killer was, and was genuinely shocked by the revelation as it seemingly came out of nowhere but made sense once you knew his real identity. I enjoyed the way we were drip-fed information throughout, so you never really knew if you had the whole story as facts were revealed.

However for me, the final 'twist' did not make much sense, and makes Ellie very much seem like an unreliable narrator. Although throughout there are clearly a lot of memories she has repressed, and I feel like this should have been addressed further in some way. It also makes me question why her husband did not say anything sooner when he knew what happened?

Overall, I did really enjoy the book, I just wish the ending was different!

This is the fourth book that I have read from this author and each one is brilliant. Dr Eleanor Spencer is a brilliant psychologist and she enjoys to try and work out what makes a serial killer. Lucas is in for life and when murdered woman start to turn up a detective from her past asks her to try and see if she can get him to help them. What she doesn't expect is just how much she and people around her will soon wish she hadn't agreed..
Fast paced throughout and enough to keep you guessing.

This was a great read filled with lots of secrets and suspense. It starts off at a steady pace but definitely cranks up along the way.
The story unfolds from POVs from Ellie and Sarah as well as the killers, newspaper extracts add to the tension and you're left wondering who to root for.
The ending did catch me off guard, and I loved it.
A recommended thriller read, perfect as a holiday read.
Thanks to Netgalley and Avon Books for the Arc.

Enjoyed!!!! I’ve read this author before so I just knew once I picked this one up I would like this one too. She writes twisted books that will blow your mind. I would also like to say she writes under the name Sam Carrington too. Not many people know that and are missing out. Now let’s talk about this one. I do have to warn you it is a little slow at first but once you get going you will not be able to put this one down. One of the reasons is the characters. All of them had qualities that made them very interesting which lead you to want to know more about them. The next reason is the plot. What could be better than using the mind of a serial killer to solve a cold case. I couldn’t have been more intrigued. It made this book in my opinion. Now I want to talk ending. I was completely surprised. I definitely needed a few minutes to catch my breath and really think about what I just read. I can’t wait to read from this author.

Dr Eleanor Spencer, or Ellie as she's known to her friends and family, is a forensic psychologist working in a Cat B prison, one of the inmates she's working closely with at the moment is Lucas Hayne, a serial killer that is serving life with no chance of parole. Her younger sister Grace disappeared five years ago and, with the police no closer to finding her, Ellie is losing hope that she's still alive, then a series of murders happen, all with the same MO as Lucas and he appears to know more about them than the police do, she is drawn into the investigation by the leading officer, DS Sarah Knight and, determined to help the police and hopefully uncover if there's a link to Grace, she begins to dig deeper into the mind of the serial killer.

The Perfect Psychopath is the latest thriller by Hunter, told in a steady pace from the perspectives of Ellie and Sarah in the main, with the odd chapter from an unknown person who you are led to believe is the perpetrator and then delving into the past with conversations between Ellie and Grace, this is a tale of mystery and intrigue with some great twists that you won't see coming and a plot that will keep you second guessing until it all comes together in a very satisfactory ending. Hunter is great at weaving a story shrouded in mystery with undesirable characters and her work in rehabilitation is evident in this, and her previous novels. Another great read by this author who also writes thrillers as Sam Carrington which are well worth checking out too!

I'd like to thank Avon Books and NetGalley for inviting me to read this, I will post my review on Goodreads now and Amazon on publication day.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a gifted copy of this novel!

If you’re looking for your next popcorn thriller, this may be it. Immediately gripping, I was hooked from the first chapter until the last. Punctuated by short chapters and multi POVs, you’ll feel at the edge of your seat while you watch the plot (and the whodunnit) unfold. I found the FMCs career interesting, as I have been fascinated about the link between psychology and the criminal justice system. That being said, if you enjoy watching crime shows and dramas, I think this would also be a good fit. I also did not outright guess the whodunnit aspect of this, although I did find it to be believable. However, I will say that the epilogue did fall a bit flat for me. Overall though, this was a fun read!

WOW!!!!! Hooked from the first page and read this book in one sitting… Full of tension and suspense. A real page turner, a domestic noir but OMG so much more!!!!!

Really loved Alice's other books, and enjoyed this one but not as much as her previous ones. I enjoyed the introduction into the prison world and trying to use this to Eleanor's advantage, but as a reader we slowly learn this is dangerous! A good plot and good storytelling and a nice easy read

've read four of Alice Hunter's other novels and enjoyed them all, and this book was a winner too! Suspenseful, with a twist at the end I didn't see coming, and the two heroines were very rootable. I especially liked the parts of the book that were set in prison. The author has worked in a prison herself (as have I), and the prison scenes gave us an insider's look at what it's like to work in that environment.

A great read with a unique perspective. Lots of twists and turns. I did see the end coming but it did not detract from the story. This one had a solid plot that was different and kept me reading.
A great read

I loved this book. It didn’t disappoint. A story about secrets, manipulation and power. It’s fast paced, full of suspense. So many twists and turns keeping you captivated. A real page turner right up to the end. I was totally hooked and couldn’t put it down.
It’s brilliantly written. So clever, compelling intrigue as the tension builds, keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Storyline is believable, I enjoyed the prison setting. So intense. Alternating between multiple POV’s, Ellie, Sarah and unknown. Plus the different formats like case files and diary entries, which I enjoyed and adds layers and background. It flows so well making it easy to follow too.
The interesting characters I liked, though some are very untrustworthy and loathsome which just adds to the story. Dr Eleanor (Ellie) is a strong female lead.
Overall, a brilliant book, well worth a read. Definitely recommend if you enjoy gripping psychological thrillers. I can’t wait to read @alicehunter_author next book.
Thanks to #NetGallery #AvonBooksUk for an arc of #ThePerfectPsychopath in exchange for a honest review.
Book publishes 22 May 2025.

WOW!!
What a story full of suspense and plot twists - I was sitting on the edge of my seat waiting to find out if I’ve guessed correctly {unfortunately not}

Dr Eleanor Spencer is involved in a criminal investigation with the Police which leads her down a familiar path of unease where her own personal life could be in danger. Prisoner Lucas Hayne is one of her ‘patients’ who she sees on a regular weekly basis at the Prison where she works but he is the sort of criminal who knows the system and what he must say as against what he wants to say, in this instance he is somewhat involved in the criminal investigation but not in the way you would think.
When women turn up murdered with the same scenario setting what is the connection between them all? Who is guilty?
Poor Dr Eleanor Spencer is trying not to let her personal feelings of the MO get to her but there is a connection- can you guess what it is?

Lucas Hayne shouldn't know anything about the current disappearance and murder of women but he does. Dr. Eleanor-Ellie-Spencer must plumb his evil mind to get the information law enforcement needs to find a real villain as well as answers to the mystery of her sister's disappearance. It's a bit trope-y, what with Lucas having info about Ellie's past and the threat to her, but that doesn't mean you won't find yourself turning the pages. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Nicely paced.

I had read one book previously by this author, and although I wasn’t a huge fan of the first book I read, I was eager to give this author another chance as I’d heard so many good things about her, and this book didn’t disappoint! I throughly enjoyed this plot from start to finish, and if you’re looking for a thriller that holds your attention and delivers surprising twists, then you need to give this a read!

The premise was super interesting to me, and I thought the author executed it perfectly. One small critique I have is that after the killer was revealed, we didn’t get any more chapters from their perspective, which I would have liked. The killer was a complete shock to me, and I was hoping for some chapters from the killer’s perspective so we could see inside their mind a little bit. I also would have liked more of a showdown when the killer was outed, and I felt the reveal was kind of rushed. Apart from that, this book was amazing and I’m so excited to read more by this author in the future!

Thank you to Netgalley and to the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Perfect Psychopath will keep you guessing all the way to the end.
Dr Eleanor Spencer is a well respected forensic psychologist, she works in a prison with prisoners there on life sentences. Eleanor’s younger sister went missing years ago and has been shrouded in grief ever since, it was suspected that she was murdered by a serial killer but as her body was never found this is unfounded. Eleanor’s memory of the past is very sketchy, there is a lot she doesn’t remember or does she? Now there is a serial killer in Eleanor’s town and it is raking up the past. Detective Sarah Knight and Eleanor work together to try and get information out of a prisoner and he seems to know more than he should. Who is the killer and is Eleanor next?
This was a decent read, I liked the short chapters making it easy to pick up and put down even when you’ve not much time. I enjoyed the multiple POV giving a deeper insight to all the main characters. The storyline was a little slow at times but that didn’t bother me in this book. The ending was everything I’d hoped it would be and I didn’t get who the killer was, I lead myself up a garden path that was wrong and did think I’d got it but nope I was wrong! Another decent read from Alice Hunter and can’t wait to see where she’ll go next.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Avon Books Uk for this ARC I received in exchange for an honest review.

The Perfect Psychopath is the first novel I have read of Alice Hunter. She has another novel, The Serial Killers Wife which is now a series available on Prime Video - I will start watching tonight.

The Perfect Psychopath is about Dr. Eleanor Spencer is a respected forensic psychologist who works at a prison with prisoners who will never get out of prison and that includes the serial killer, Lucas Hayne. Eleanor lost a sister many years ago and she was never found. Eleanor is an unreliable narrator as she doesn't quite remember everything in her past but she has glimmers of these memories and tries to retrieve them through writing in journals. I am not a fan of the use of an unreliable narrator.

Now there is a serial killer in Eleanor town and along with detective Sarah Knight they are trying to get Lucas Hayne to share information about the ways in which a serial killer works. There is much tension and drama to keep the story moving. I liked the psychology research parts of the novel specifically and I felt like she described the prison environment well.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and Avon Books in exchange for an honest review.