Profiling a Killer by Nichole Severn is the first book in Harlequin’s continuity series, Behavioral Analysis Unit.
Dr. Aubrey Flood is a renowned medical examiner in Seattle. Three years ago she provided the critical insight which led to capturing the X Marks the Spot serial killer. That man killed one woman per year and had gotten away with it for thirty years. Now seemingly she is suffering the consequences. A copycat killer has left an X Marks the Spot map on her apartment door which led her to the discovery of her murdered sister’s body. Aubrey asks for FBI Special Agent Nicholas James to lead the investigation into her sister’s murderer since he was the lead investigator in the X Marks the Spot investigation. What transpires as they work the case together leads them to life-threatening situations. And perhaps Aubrey can acknowledge that she is falling for Nicholas.
Special Agent Nicholas James is a top profiler for the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit in Seattle. His profiling work along with an assist from medical examiner Dr. Aubrey Flood led to catching the X Marks the Spot serial killer, Cole Pressley. The fact that Cole Pressley was Nicholas’ next door neighbor while growing up and had become a father figure for him made the discovery of Pressley’s evil nature a trust shattering experience. Working again with Dr. Aubrey Flood after the murder of her sister gave Nicholas a chance to explore his attraction to Aubrey. The life-threatening experiences they survived together cemented his realization of his love for Aubrey. But can he trust that feeling?
This was a fast-paced and chilling read. Aubrey and Nicholas face a serial killer without a predictable MO. This hampers them in their investigation. The fact that Aubrey’s sister is one of the serial killer’s victims makes it personal. I got chills reading this storyline. Aubrey and Nicholas faced so much danger together. They both discovered truths about themselves as the investigation evolved. Nicholas’ trust issues were extremely difficult to overcome. I like all the characters in this story and look forward to their books.
QOTD: How easily can trust be broken?
Book Info:
Publication: June 29th 2021 | Harlequin Intrigue | Behavioral Analysis Unit #1
He can psychoanalyze any serial killer,
But can he protect her from one?
Special Agent Nicholas James knows serial killers up close and personal. After all, he was practically raised by one and later became a Behavioral Analysis Unit specialist to put them behind bars. But Dr. Aubrey Flood’s sister’s murder is his highest-stakes case yet. His professional history with the beautiful medical examiner is legendary. So is their attraction. But the clock is ticking…and Nicholas has every intention of making sure Aubrey doesn’t become another victim.
