The Profiler

Author: Helen Fields
Genre: Thriller, Crime Fiction
384 pages
Publisher: Avon Books UK, 2024

Synopsis
He’s going to kill you. He just doesn’t know it yet.

Midnight Jones is an analyst trained to understand the human mind. But everything changes when, in the course of her work, she discovers Profile K’s file – because K stands for killer, and she knows that someone more dangerous than she could have ever imagined walks among them. Midnight knows what Profile K is capable of before he even commits his first crime. But as the news rolls with the brutal murder of a local woman, no one believes what she tells them: that he is capable of so much worse.

Profile K will kill again – and, terrifyingly, Midnight realises that the moment she found his file was the moment she became his next target. Because Profile K is coming for Midnight – and the only way to escape with her life is to find him before he finds her.

My review
I’ve been a devoted fan of Helen Fields’ work since I devoured all seven books in the DI Callanach/DCI Ava Turner series. Naturally, I was eagerly anticipating The Profiler (formerly titled Profile K), and it did not disappoint! This thrilling, dark, and intense novel delivers with its horrific, violent, and gruesome murders, presenting a gripping and dark narrative. The Killer is depicted as truly disturbed, making this book a chilling read not suited for the faint-hearted. From the opening chapter to the final page, Profile K is a fast-paced and intense novel that kept me engrossed throughout.

Helen Fields’ mastery shines through in her character development, a hallmark of her writing. The characters in The Profiler are not only fully developed but also extremely likable, and I was quickly drawn into their lives. Fields has a talent for creating relatable and compelling characters, making them feel like real people with whom readers can empathize.

In addition to the riveting crime and murder scenes, the narrative focuses on Midnight Jones’ relationship with her twin sister Dawn, their absent parents, and the immense responsibility Jones has shouldered for most of her their lives. This emotional depth adds a poignant layer to the narrative, making it difficult not to be affected by their circumstances. Doris, a character who brings much-needed light relief, becomes a beacon of hope when she befriends Jones and Dawn. Her presence adds a touch of warmth to the story, balancing the darker elements.

One of the strengths of Fields’ character development is evident in Jones, the protagonist. While in some thrillers, the decisions of protagonists may seem questionable, Jones’ motivations are clear and understandable. Fields’ meticulous character development allowed me to empathize with Jones and comprehend her decision to become deeply involved in solving the serial killings, even at the risk of her own life.

The portrayal of the technology company Necto is so vivid it almost feels like a character in the novel. This depiction adds a layer of complexity to the story, highlighting the impact that corporate entities can have on individuals and society as a whole. This aspect of the novel serves as a thought-provoking exploration of the implications of our increasingly technology-driven world, and left me to ponder the consequences of unchecked technological progress.

Overall, The Profiler stands out as a brilliant thriller, and offers a unique and gripping concept that sets it apart from other novels in the genre. Fields’ skillful storytelling, compelling characters, and intricate plot development kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish.

Thank you NetGalley and Avon Books UK for providing me with an advanced copy for review. All opinions are my own.

My recommendation: read it!