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The Body Trail
She was never just telling stories.
She was being heard.
Layla Sinclair built a career on darkness—chronicling the minds of murderers, dissecting their methods, their motives, their madness. Her true crime podcast, The Body Trail, has captivated thousands. But beneath her calm narration and clinical analysis lives a deeper hunger—one she’s never dared speak aloud.
Until someone starts listening too closely.
When a string of ritualistic murders eerily echo the fictional cases Layla once created, she finds herself spiraling into a terrifying intimacy with a man who may be more than just a fan. Dr. Julian Langley is brilliant, magnetic, and just as fascinated by violence as she is. Their connection is undeniable. Their chemistry, lethal.
As the body count rises and her name enters whispered conversations among detectives and doubters, Layla must
Is she the profiler, the muse… or the next offering?
She was being heard.
Layla Sinclair built a career on darkness—chronicling the minds of murderers, dissecting their methods, their motives, their madness. Her true crime podcast, The Body Trail, has captivated thousands. But beneath her calm narration and clinical analysis lives a deeper hunger—one she’s never dared speak aloud.
Until someone starts listening too closely.
When a string of ritualistic murders eerily echo the fictional cases Layla once created, she finds herself spiraling into a terrifying intimacy with a man who may be more than just a fan. Dr. Julian Langley is brilliant, magnetic, and just as fascinated by violence as she is. Their connection is undeniable. Their chemistry, lethal.
As the body count rises and her name enters whispered conversations among detectives and doubters, Layla must
Is she the profiler, the muse… or the next offering?
332 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2025
17 people are currently reading
190 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
September 13, 2025
The first dark romance I have ever read, and now I fear I set the bar too high.
The mix of understanding Layla and being equally as concerned for her kept me on my toes.
Interesting to think about the book as something that could be very well a non fiction storyline in today’s true crime culture.
Loved the immersive component of the book seeing real images of then and now!
The mix of understanding Layla and being equally as concerned for her kept me on my toes.
Interesting to think about the book as something that could be very well a non fiction storyline in today’s true crime culture.
Loved the immersive component of the book seeing real images of then and now!
October 24, 2025
I want to first start out that to me personally, this isn't "dark romance" like the genre has been shaped to be accustomed to.
This is a peak behind the veil of a psychology of obsession and striving to understand themselves and those around them.
When is too far just not enough? A fascination and a blind respect of something so heinous and cruel, to twist it into feeling it's right and justified. Killers won't ever stop being interesting... but where do WE draw the line of it being misunderstood and broken people, to beasts formed from horrid decrepit childhoods?
Layla reflects a very real part of me, the questions and the curiosity that plagues us when it comes to patterns and opportunity, to finding someone who gets you without actually having to express it through words.
My husband was in the military, deployed and has told me "it's not serial killing if the government pays for it" and I haven't been able to shake those words when it comes to do people do evil things because they themselves are evil? Maybe.
I do wish Julien was a little more fleshed out (no pun intended) I felt their love match was a little rushed, but I find this plot isn't... glorifying killers like other "dark romance" that I've read. Layla's childhood seems quiet but disturbed and a hobby, an interest becomes consuming.
I kind of wish it went more in the "Mindhunter" direction, that Langley kept leaving Layla grotesque gifts instead of succumbing to it so easily but I truly felt for her, the latter half was... not satisfying honestly felt a little rushed (the words seen and hunger were used... a lot) but I found Layla's cold indifference actually engaging and those surrounding her growing increasingly distressed made this book VERY thrilling to read.
I 100% think this is worth a read and love the unsettling sociopathy of Layla.
This is a peak behind the veil of a psychology of obsession and striving to understand themselves and those around them.
When is too far just not enough? A fascination and a blind respect of something so heinous and cruel, to twist it into feeling it's right and justified. Killers won't ever stop being interesting... but where do WE draw the line of it being misunderstood and broken people, to beasts formed from horrid decrepit childhoods?
Layla reflects a very real part of me, the questions and the curiosity that plagues us when it comes to patterns and opportunity, to finding someone who gets you without actually having to express it through words.
My husband was in the military, deployed and has told me "it's not serial killing if the government pays for it" and I haven't been able to shake those words when it comes to do people do evil things because they themselves are evil? Maybe.
I do wish Julien was a little more fleshed out (no pun intended) I felt their love match was a little rushed, but I find this plot isn't... glorifying killers like other "dark romance" that I've read. Layla's childhood seems quiet but disturbed and a hobby, an interest becomes consuming.
I kind of wish it went more in the "Mindhunter" direction, that Langley kept leaving Layla grotesque gifts instead of succumbing to it so easily but I truly felt for her, the latter half was... not satisfying honestly felt a little rushed (the words seen and hunger were used... a lot) but I found Layla's cold indifference actually engaging and those surrounding her growing increasingly distressed made this book VERY thrilling to read.
I 100% think this is worth a read and love the unsettling sociopathy of Layla.
September 16, 2025
I just finished this. And when I tell you that it sunk its teeth into me on the very first page I mean that. I would give this a 4/5 chili pepper, it is a slow burn, and definitely favors pitch black territory. There are trigger warnings so please make sure you check those before you dive into this book.
From the beginning you’re sucked in with gripping details that are factual, morbid, and chilling all in one. As the story develops it only gets darker. It’s a spellbinding journey that follows Layla Sinclair, our FMC and when I tell you that she is… gosh she’s just everything lol.
Feminine rage wrapped in a gorgeous and seductive package, and when she meets the love interest… shewwwww just let me tell you I was kicking my feet!
I honestly think this might be one of my top reads of 2025. If you love FMC that are borderline pitch black, full of feminine rage, and MMC that are possessive, stalkerish, and ridiculously intelligent? Yeah.. this is for you! Go grab it.
From the beginning you’re sucked in with gripping details that are factual, morbid, and chilling all in one. As the story develops it only gets darker. It’s a spellbinding journey that follows Layla Sinclair, our FMC and when I tell you that she is… gosh she’s just everything lol.
Feminine rage wrapped in a gorgeous and seductive package, and when she meets the love interest… shewwwww just let me tell you I was kicking my feet!
I honestly think this might be one of my top reads of 2025. If you love FMC that are borderline pitch black, full of feminine rage, and MMC that are possessive, stalkerish, and ridiculously intelligent? Yeah.. this is for you! Go grab it.
September 6, 2025
This may be a 6 star read for me! It’s completely unlike any other ‘dark romance’ book I’ve ever read. Following Layla throughout her childhood and then high school and subsequently college and watching her character develop was amazing. I loved to see her go from not wanting to be different to settling into her true self. And then enters our sexy Dr. Julian Langley and omg I’m obsessed with that man. The way he knew her and actually saw her and literally knew exactly what she needed was just **chefs kiss**. I would definitely recommend this for all my dark romance, true crime girlies. But definitely go into this book knowing it will 100000% be unlike anything you’ve ever read.
August 25, 2025
When I say I couldn’t put this book down I mean it. Right from the first page you are sucked in! It has been a long time since I have found a book/author I can’t put down. If you are looking for a true crime/ dark romance this is the book for you. It has instantly become a favorite that I will reread many times.
December 12, 2025
3.75 very interesting style of book and detailed! Quick read. I liked the detail on the main character
August 26, 2025
Couldn't stop reading! Edgy, dark, and unexpected in the best way.
December 13, 2025
Honestly I had high hopes for this book and once I started the bar dropped to the floor. I wanted to like this book because it sounded very intriguing and the author was so sweet when I met her. However, this book just fell flat and most of it was due to the formatting and writing style. It felt like you were reading bullet points the whole time because essentially you were. There were no true paragraphs, maybe two in the whole 300 page book. If you formatted this book differently that 300 pages would probably be less than 100 pages. I’m not sure if this was a stylistic choice, or just how the author writes. It didn’t allow depth in the writing and you got an idea of the characters and plot but there was so much more potential. The story line itself interested me and I liked it. I just wanted more. More narrative, context, and detail. The book has so many references to key psychological theory that was not expanded upon. At one point the book says that the MMC quoted Durkheim. Like give me the quote and the meaning behind it to help bring these characters to life and make this story great. How it was written is my main issue and I feel as if there is so much potential with this book.
September 29, 2025
Found this book via tik tok, she happens to be a local author so I had to read it. Because this book took place where I live, I felt like I was reading a news article. A few times throughout I got the chills, she’s so good at writing spooky. Truly has a way with words. I kinda wish there was more of a plot twist given the nature of content, but it still wrapped up so well. I could not, for the life of me, figure Layla out. She didn’t seem to have a bad upbringing yet she craved darkness. You find out more details throughout the book about her childhood but never why this happened, what was the motive to feel these things? And the spice? Subtle yet soooo good. This would be a great beginners book for dark romance.
October 18, 2025
4.5/5 ⭐️
🌶️🌶️
This book follows Layla our FMC who is obsessed with serial killers and the silence after the death. As she’s gotten older she’s started a podcast telling stories rageding mainstream killers or even small incidents in her town of Oshkosh in a different perspective. In a way that doesn’t glorify the blood or the person but the poetry of it. Sometimes she even tells her own made up stories to keep the listeners interested. However it seems someone’s been listening in far to much detail because stories she written as a child are now becoming murders in dedication to her.
Absolutely loved this book. I raged a 4.5 because of the formatting. I know it’s nitpicking at this point but I just wasn’t a fan of the style itself. The book was written more like a memoir than you’re typical novel. However it worked so well with the way the story was being told. Layla is a MORALLY BLACK CHARACTER she is a text book psychopath. Everything she does as a child to adulthood is evident that she is one. So the story being told in this specific format made you feel like you were reading a real persons life and thoughts.
I loved how much research AL WILDER did in order on these real world serial killers in order to apply them to this story. Her research gave such passion to Layla our FMC and helped really fee that Layla was obsessed with them. That for me alone gave me the creeps. The way th author intertwined both fiction and non fiction into this story made my mind submerse itself in the story even more. It confused my brain into not being able to separate the real world from this fiction book.
I did have to take a few days to adjust to the style and remind myself this book is fiction but once I did I burned through this book in a matter of an hour or two.
When you bring Julian our MMC into the mix things get even better. He’s also a diagnose psychopath and he’s the reason that Layla really crosses that line of becoming a murder as well as he is. Honestly I loved that rather than the author making our FMC scaredshe embraces it all. Is it morally wrong absolutely but it felt right for her character to cross that line.
If you’re into true crime this is definitely a book for you.
It’s thriller and dark romance in one. Not morally great just straight morally black characters. It messes with the mind and makes you wonder if you’ve ever come across someone who looks or fits in society but dabbles in the dark.
🌶️🌶️
This book follows Layla our FMC who is obsessed with serial killers and the silence after the death. As she’s gotten older she’s started a podcast telling stories rageding mainstream killers or even small incidents in her town of Oshkosh in a different perspective. In a way that doesn’t glorify the blood or the person but the poetry of it. Sometimes she even tells her own made up stories to keep the listeners interested. However it seems someone’s been listening in far to much detail because stories she written as a child are now becoming murders in dedication to her.
Absolutely loved this book. I raged a 4.5 because of the formatting. I know it’s nitpicking at this point but I just wasn’t a fan of the style itself. The book was written more like a memoir than you’re typical novel. However it worked so well with the way the story was being told. Layla is a MORALLY BLACK CHARACTER she is a text book psychopath. Everything she does as a child to adulthood is evident that she is one. So the story being told in this specific format made you feel like you were reading a real persons life and thoughts.
I loved how much research AL WILDER did in order on these real world serial killers in order to apply them to this story. Her research gave such passion to Layla our FMC and helped really fee that Layla was obsessed with them. That for me alone gave me the creeps. The way th author intertwined both fiction and non fiction into this story made my mind submerse itself in the story even more. It confused my brain into not being able to separate the real world from this fiction book.
I did have to take a few days to adjust to the style and remind myself this book is fiction but once I did I burned through this book in a matter of an hour or two.
When you bring Julian our MMC into the mix things get even better. He’s also a diagnose psychopath and he’s the reason that Layla really crosses that line of becoming a murder as well as he is. Honestly I loved that rather than the author making our FMC scaredshe embraces it all. Is it morally wrong absolutely but it felt right for her character to cross that line.
If you’re into true crime this is definitely a book for you.
It’s thriller and dark romance in one. Not morally great just straight morally black characters. It messes with the mind and makes you wonder if you’ve ever come across someone who looks or fits in society but dabbles in the dark.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2025
I started and finished this in a few hours!! if that sentence alone doesn’t get you to at least look into the book there is something wrong with you!
This book is about Layla Sinclair, who built a career on darkness. She has always been interested in things that shouldn’t interest her. Always beating into the darkness when she knows better. She decides to take her obsession to a whole new level by releasing her podcast The Body Trail. When a string of ritualistic murders mimic fictional cases, Layla wants created she begins spiraling into a terrifying relationship with a man who might just be a fan of hers or something more.
This book is addictive, thrilling, gross at some parts, Erie, and will have you gasping until the final page.
Thank you so much A.L. Wilder for meeting up with me and letting me purchase this book!
This book is about Layla Sinclair, who built a career on darkness. She has always been interested in things that shouldn’t interest her. Always beating into the darkness when she knows better. She decides to take her obsession to a whole new level by releasing her podcast The Body Trail. When a string of ritualistic murders mimic fictional cases, Layla wants created she begins spiraling into a terrifying relationship with a man who might just be a fan of hers or something more.
This book is addictive, thrilling, gross at some parts, Erie, and will have you gasping until the final page.
Thank you so much A.L. Wilder for meeting up with me and letting me purchase this book!
December 14, 2025
I powered through this book in a single day—and it’ll take a few more to shake the unease it left behind.
Layla has always been a little different: a little dark, a little odd. Her fascination with serial killers isn’t about shock value, but about connection—feeling the emotion in the crime and seeing the artistry in what remains. It’s a perspective that sets her apart in ways that feel both compelling and unsettling.
When she meets Dr. Langley, she feels truly seen for the first time. And that’s when things start to shift. The stories feel closer. The art feels personal. The tension builds quietly until you realize just how deep you’re in.
The Body Trail is a slow-burn psychological thriller that gets under your skin and stays there. Creepy, immersive, and deeply unsettling—this one lingered with me long after I finished.
Layla has always been a little different: a little dark, a little odd. Her fascination with serial killers isn’t about shock value, but about connection—feeling the emotion in the crime and seeing the artistry in what remains. It’s a perspective that sets her apart in ways that feel both compelling and unsettling.
When she meets Dr. Langley, she feels truly seen for the first time. And that’s when things start to shift. The stories feel closer. The art feels personal. The tension builds quietly until you realize just how deep you’re in.
The Body Trail is a slow-burn psychological thriller that gets under your skin and stays there. Creepy, immersive, and deeply unsettling—this one lingered with me long after I finished.
December 22, 2025
I absolutely loved The Body Trail on Audible. The story is dark, gripping, and impossible to stop listening to. A.L. Wilder does an incredible job weaving Wisconsin into the narrative, and as someone familiar with the state, I really appreciated how authentic and chilling the setting felt.
The true-crime elements—especially the subtle nods to Wisconsin’s infamous serial killers—added an extra layer of creepiness without feeling overdone. The pacing was excellent, and the suspense kept me hooked from start to finish.
The narration was fantastic and truly elevated the story, bringing the tension, atmosphere, and characters to life. This audiobook had me listening every chance I got.
Highly recommend for fans of thrillers, true crime vibes, and dark, atmospheric stories. A must-listen! 🎧🔥
The true-crime elements—especially the subtle nods to Wisconsin’s infamous serial killers—added an extra layer of creepiness without feeling overdone. The pacing was excellent, and the suspense kept me hooked from start to finish.
The narration was fantastic and truly elevated the story, bringing the tension, atmosphere, and characters to life. This audiobook had me listening every chance I got.
Highly recommend for fans of thrillers, true crime vibes, and dark, atmospheric stories. A must-listen! 🎧🔥
September 4, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Body Trail by A.L. Wilder was such a thrilling surprise. I couldn’t put it down! The slow-burn psychological tension builds perfectly, and once it hooked me I couldn’t put it down. The main character’s obsession with serial killers made the story dark, fascinating, and unsettling in the best way. It’s one of those books that just feels right for fall; chilling, atmospheric, and impossible to look away from.
I actually discovered A.L. Wilder on TikTok and won this book in a giveaway, and I’m so glad I did! It feels like fate that it landed in my hands. I really hope there’s another book coming, because I need more!
The Body Trail by A.L. Wilder was such a thrilling surprise. I couldn’t put it down! The slow-burn psychological tension builds perfectly, and once it hooked me I couldn’t put it down. The main character’s obsession with serial killers made the story dark, fascinating, and unsettling in the best way. It’s one of those books that just feels right for fall; chilling, atmospheric, and impossible to look away from.
I actually discovered A.L. Wilder on TikTok and won this book in a giveaway, and I’m so glad I did! It feels like fate that it landed in my hands. I really hope there’s another book coming, because I need more!
September 7, 2025
Riveting story.
Captivating characters.
Stunning writing style.
Tropes for this dark, romantic thriller include:
Mature FMC
Obsessive MMC
Serial Killer
Framed for Murder
Depraved Spice
Relentless Detective
When I first saw A.L. Wilder talk about The Body Trail on TikTok, I knew this story would be for me. I started by reading one of her other stories and absolutely loved the unique writing style; it’s not like reading the typical fiction novel. I’m so glad that style carried over for this story as well.
Captivating characters.
Stunning writing style.
Tropes for this dark, romantic thriller include:
Mature FMC
Obsessive MMC
Serial Killer
Framed for Murder
Depraved Spice
Relentless Detective
When I first saw A.L. Wilder talk about The Body Trail on TikTok, I knew this story would be for me. I started by reading one of her other stories and absolutely loved the unique writing style; it’s not like reading the typical fiction novel. I’m so glad that style carried over for this story as well.
November 27, 2025
Can't Wait for Book Two
The story is told in the tone of Layla's view of the world. As her mind comes alive, so too do the prose, building to an exquisite peak, then landing softly, yet still darkly. It incorporates parts of criminal evolution that true crime genre lovers will nod and smile at. The darkness seeps from the page from a surprising perspective of warmth through Layla's eyes. These are dark romance characters who truly embrace their darkness. I am looking forward to book two!
The story is told in the tone of Layla's view of the world. As her mind comes alive, so too do the prose, building to an exquisite peak, then landing softly, yet still darkly. It incorporates parts of criminal evolution that true crime genre lovers will nod and smile at. The darkness seeps from the page from a surprising perspective of warmth through Layla's eyes. These are dark romance characters who truly embrace their darkness. I am looking forward to book two!
September 3, 2025
I honestly loved this book! Do you love murder, stalkers, and dark romance, well this is the book for you! I was engrossed by every moment and every seen. This was a book I just couldn’t put down, would have sat and read it all in one sitting if I could have. Spooky season is upon us and if you need a chilling yet spicy book to sit under a blanket with then you have found what you are looking for!
September 13, 2025
Different than anything I’ve read before! I liked this book because it was so odd. I was hooked from the beginning. Perfect for fans of true crime! I remember doing a report on John Wayne Gacy in high school, it was one of the things that got me hooked on psychology. This book brought me back to that. Such an interesting read!
November 10, 2025
It was so hard to be a responsible adult while reading this book. I couldn’t set it down! If you’re a true crime junkie you’d love the book! The author did her research and she backed it up!
Think awakening serial unaliver meets spice with an AMAZING plot line. I seriously need more, I didn’t want the book to end.
Think awakening serial unaliver meets spice with an AMAZING plot line. I seriously need more, I didn’t want the book to end.
November 26, 2025
It was a fast & easy read. Many trigger warnings listed & for good reason. It was captivating & disturbing. Does make you question why are we all so interested in crime & violence. We also want the details, we want to understand how murders think. The romance in this book is definitely not the type of romance you’d expect. If you like horror, this is a book you will want to check out.
October 12, 2025
This book grabs your attention and does not let it go! Could not put it down.
Is it about a young girl who dove a little too deep into true crime, Or is it about an origin story of a serial killer couple?
Is it about a young girl who dove a little too deep into true crime, Or is it about an origin story of a serial killer couple?
November 4, 2025
Wow! Totally unexpected! Is it romance? .... yes? I swear you will think you know what's going to happen but you don't. Perfect for anyone who loves serial killer podcasts, dark romance or who has always felt a little too dark for the world around them.
December 18, 2025
Excellent book, Excellent writing. I was hooked from the beginning. Following Layla's story had me on the edge of my seat. I thought the story was going in one direction but it went in a completely different way and I absolutely loved it
September 5, 2025
I started this and finished it in less than 24 hours. Quick read, and fast paced. I LOVED that the chapters were short. Serial killers, dark and smutty. Good way to start spooky season.
October 5, 2025
This was really interesting, and I liked the concept and its local aspect, but I just wanted more. I wish it were more descriptive and less just telling you what is happening.
October 6, 2025
this book is by far the best book I have read in it dont know how long. it is absolutely amazing. I read it in 1 day and did not want to put it down. highly highly recommend this book
October 18, 2025
Fantastic read! Perfectly twisted!
Cannot wait for more on Layla and Julian (fingers crossed)!
I loved their dynamic, the way he helped her find her true self *Chef's Kiss*!
Cannot wait for more on Layla and Julian (fingers crossed)!
I loved their dynamic, the way he helped her find her true self *Chef's Kiss*!
November 24, 2025
Good book once you got into the meat of it but took a little too long to suck me in. But hopefully the author will continue to write more books. Quick read if needed for a car or plane ride!
Read
December 10, 2025Sorry I had to DNF this one. It just wasn’t for me.
September 29, 2025
As a true crime girlie, I knew this book was going to be for me from the second I saw the author advertising it on social media and it did not let me down in the slightest! I was hooked from page one and found it very hard to put the book down at times. As a primarily romance reader who also loves all things spooky I found this book to be a healthy mix of the two genres. I also loved how true crime was incorporated into the book (even photos of real life cases such as Dahmer's apartment). Overall I simply loved everything about this book and would recommend it for any of my spooky girls (or guys) who like a little romance with their crime.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews