Model Detective: A True Story of Heels, Handcuffs and Homicides

by Michele Wood

MODEL DETECTIVE takes readers where true crime has never gone before—inside the heart, mind, and soul of a Chicago homicide detective whose grit and instincts prove that a woman’s place is in the homicide division.

Sergeant Michele Wood, a 25-year veteran of the Chicago Police Department, has spent nearly two decades in the Detective Division. With hundreds of arrests, and an extraordinary record of solving murders, she has led homicide teams while also appearing as a legal expert on ABC’s 20/20 and other national true crime series.

In MODEL DETECTIVE, Wood takes readers through complex murder cases—revealing how she interprets evidence and uses her perspective as a woman to succeed in a male-dominated world. Wood’s skills attest to her high success rate and stellar reputation on the force and explains why she’s Chicago’s (and probably the country’s) only detective who previously worked as a flight attendant, moonlighted as a fitness-magazine model, and continues her on-air fame as a crime TV expert. From the story of her Chicago upbringing to the extraordinary perils of policing in Chicago, MODEL DETECTIVE is the raw inspiring, tale of courage, resilience and determination in America’s most violent city.

210 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 3, 2026

Reviews

[Melissa Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a very avid reader, I have read many "police books" and while some come close, no one portrays what being a female on the job is actually like...until Sgt Wood! I laughed, I cried, I shook my head in agreement...I felt this book deeply. This is an honest look into police work, how we get there, the ways it affects us and changes us for better and for worse... and, how we make it through it all by following our instincts, a little luck, and having the right people in our lives. 💙🩷

[Donna Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is must read for anyone thinking about getting into law enforcement, especially a woman. It gives a great in depth look at one person's life and the struggles she went through that made her the Woman, Detective and Sergeant that she is today.  If you love learning about people, if you love a quick memoir read, if you love watching shows like 20/20, The First 48, and Forensic Files, this book is for you. This book will make you laugh and at times make you cry.  You will learn a lot about Chicago, the city, the politics and the police department. It's a reminder that everyone has struggles in their life and how you can make the most out of them.

[Richard Cowart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent true story

A Chicago detective tells the truth of her life as a female detective in a male dominated job. Michele tells how the murders are solved and the criminal justice system. The crimes and the victims make a compelling story Great reading

[Mary Lindahl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't want this to end so I dragged it on wayyyyy longer than I normally do when I read a book. I am obsessed with Michele and her story! 🩷

[josie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring

Michele has a fascinating way of telling her story, while keeping it both real and intriguing. She is truly a hero and a role model.

[Valerity (Val) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book about a woman’s path in law enforcement. There are lots of murder cases as a detective, but also side jobs in TV shows about murders. Wood has had an unusual life with eclectic jobs and also spent time doing competitive fitness and bodybuilding when she wasn’t working as a detective. Quite a mix and where did she find the time, I wonder?

[Laura Beebe · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was funny in parts, scary in parts and overall very informative about what it’s like to be a detective. What an incredibly hard job! Tons of admiration for this author.