Profile K by Helen Fields

 

Midnight Jones analyses data for organisations as part of their employment process. When Midnight comes across a disturbing set of data hinting at sociopathic or psychopathic tendencies her employer tries to persuade her that it's just a glitch in the system. A brutal murder nearby convinces Midnight that the data and the murderer are linked. It becomes a cat-and-mouse race as Midnight tries to identify the murderer before he tracks her down.

The opening chapter of Profile K by Helen Fields is dark and disturbing, it sets the tone for this chilling thriller that has a dystopian element. I became a fan of the author back in 2022 when I read One For Sorrow, book 7 in the Luc Callanach and Ava Turner series. While this series features some dark and twisted elements it's the books that feature Dr Connie Woolwine, the psychological profiler, that are the darkest. Woolwine only plays a small part in Profile K but you know that her involvement points to something sinister.

At times it almost feels as if you are reading two different books as the story switches between the point of view of the killer and that of Midnight Jones. Seeing into the mind of the killer is chilling. As I was reading my brain was asking me if I'd locked the door and did I have enough lights on. It certainly makes you realise how vulnerable we all are, even in our own homes.

We have a less disturbing story when we switch to Midnight's point of view. Midnight is a likeable character. Frustrated by the constraints of her job at Necto but forced to comply as she's reliant on the above-average salary. Midnight has a twin sister, Dawn, who has severe special needs. Their parents have abandoned them to travel the world and Midnight is determined that her sister will not end up in residential care, hence her need for a well-paying job.

Necto, the company Midnight works for, is almost as disturbing as the killer. Initially, it sounds as if it is an ideal place to work with its stunning buildings, beautiful environment and enhanced pay. However, working for Necto isn't all fun and games, there are strict policies in place to ensure time isn't wasted and secrets aren't stolen. NDA's and the threat of litigation hang over everyone's head.

When Midnight comes across the disturbing profile Necto tries to downplay the data, passing it off as an anomaly and promoting Midnight in an attempt to buy her off. The idea of psychometric testing and it's results raises some interesting questions. Will someone who displays sociopathic or psychopathic tendencies always act on them? Should you incarcerate someone simply because of a psychological profile?

A game of cat and mouse ensues, with Midnight and the killer spiraling closer and closer. Everyone comes under suspicion, particularly with Necto playing a "Big Brother" role. You'll find yourself holding your breath as Midnight fights to protect those she loves. And when you're finished, you'll probably double-check you've locked the door.

Profile K by Helen Fields will be published on 25th April 2024 in hardback, ebook and audio format. My thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for a review copy.

Author Details

Helen Fields’ first love was drama and music. From a very young age she spent all her free time acting and singing until law captured her attention as a career path. She studied law at the University of East Anglia, then went on to the Inns of Court School of Law in London.

After completing her pupillage, she joined chambers in Middle Temple where she practised criminal and family law for thirteen years. Undertaking cases that ranged from Children Act proceedings and domestic violence injunctions, to large scale drug importation and murder, Helen spent years working with the police, CPS, Social Services, expert witnesses and in Courts Martials.

After her second child was born, Helen left the Bar. Together with her husband David, she went on to run Wailing Banshee Ltd, a film production company, acting as script writer and producer.

Helen self-published two fantasy books as a way of testing herself and her writing abilities. She enjoyed the creative process so much that she began writing in a much more disciplined way, and decided to move into the traditional publishing arena through an agent.

Perfect Remains is set in Scotland, where Helen feels most at one with the world. Edinburgh and San Francisco are her two favourite cities, and she travels whenever she can.

Beyond writing, she has a passion for theatre and cinema, often boring friends and family with lengthy reviews and critiques. Taking her cue from her children, she has recently taken up karate and indoor sky diving. Helen and her husband now live in Hampshire with their three children and two dogs.