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The Head Collector: A BRAND NEW dark, shocking, and chilling thriller from Mark Griffin for 2026
Not yet published
Expected 19 Oct 26A serial killer is turning murder into theatre...
Criminal psychologist Oswald Bennet understands the minds of killers better than anyone – because he was raised by two of them. Now, working alongside DI Anderson of the Portland Police, Oswald is pulled into a chilling case that will test his every limit.
When a devoted mother is brutally decapitated in her basement, authorities rule it an impossibly elaborate suicide. But Oswald knows better, recognising the hallmarks of a highly organised, theatrical predator.
As another headless body turns up on the local Amtrak tracks, a terrifying pattern emerges. Drawn into a deadly psychological game where terror strikes dangerously close to home, Oswald must face his own darkest demons before time runs out.
The Head Collector is a pulse-pounding serial-killer thriller exploring obsession and the terrifying depths of the human mind.
Criminal psychologist Oswald Bennet understands the minds of killers better than anyone – because he was raised by two of them. Now, working alongside DI Anderson of the Portland Police, Oswald is pulled into a chilling case that will test his every limit.
When a devoted mother is brutally decapitated in her basement, authorities rule it an impossibly elaborate suicide. But Oswald knows better, recognising the hallmarks of a highly organised, theatrical predator.
As another headless body turns up on the local Amtrak tracks, a terrifying pattern emerges. Drawn into a deadly psychological game where terror strikes dangerously close to home, Oswald must face his own darkest demons before time runs out.
The Head Collector is a pulse-pounding serial-killer thriller exploring obsession and the terrifying depths of the human mind.
362 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication October 19, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Criminal psychologist Oswald Bennet understands the minds of killers better than anyone - because he was raised by two of them. Now, working alongside DI Anderson of the Portland Police, Oswald is pulled into a chilling case that will test his every limit. When a devoted mother is brutally decapitated in her basement, authorities rule it an impossibly elaborate suicide. But Oswald knows better, recognising the hallmarks of a highly organised, theatrical predator. As another headless body turns up on the local Amtrak, a terrifying pattern emerges. Drawn into a deadly psychological game where terror strikes dangerously close to home, Oswald must face his own darkest demons before tie runs out.
This is a well-written, gripping and twisted read. I liked Oswald Bennet, there was just something about him, and he doesn't mess with his words. The pace was fast and I was quickly pulled into the story. The story is told from the perpetrators perspective.
Published 19th October 2026
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #MarkGriffin for my ARC of #TheHeadCollector in exchange for an honest review.
This is a well-written, gripping and twisted read. I liked Oswald Bennet, there was just something about him, and he doesn't mess with his words. The pace was fast and I was quickly pulled into the story. The story is told from the perpetrators perspective.
Published 19th October 2026
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #MarkGriffin for my ARC of #TheHeadCollector in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
New series and a new author to me and a new character ‘Oswald Bennet’ to get to know
And he is a character, a Criminal Psychologist with both parents in prison make him a complex and darkly funny guy
When DI Anderson decides he is the one to help re a suicide that could be murder he comes into his element and between them realise a serial killer is on the loose
The story is fast and furious and got to say full of the F word ( I read gangland and its enough for me to compare and it wins ) but it does fit his character and his emotions etc
Full of surprises, who knew re yawning ( was relieved my answer was yes! ) and little twists and quite moving in parts too as Oswald battles to save people and his sanity
A good exciting if at times grim read and will be following the series to see what he gets up to next
And he is a character, a Criminal Psychologist with both parents in prison make him a complex and darkly funny guy
When DI Anderson decides he is the one to help re a suicide that could be murder he comes into his element and between them realise a serial killer is on the loose
The story is fast and furious and got to say full of the F word ( I read gangland and its enough for me to compare and it wins ) but it does fit his character and his emotions etc
Full of surprises, who knew re yawning ( was relieved my answer was yes! ) and little twists and quite moving in parts too as Oswald battles to save people and his sanity
A good exciting if at times grim read and will be following the series to see what he gets up to next
September 18, 2026
Thank you so much to Netgalley for giving me this free advance copy, and I’m writing this review honestly and without bias.
Wow wow wow this is Mark Griffin at his absolute best. I adored the Holly Wakefield books, but the author has stepped up a level with The Head Collector. I absolutely loved Oswald Bennet - what a character. Dark, gruesome and totally mesmerising - exactly how a book about a deranged serial killer should be. The pace is fast, the plot is perfectly executed and the epitome of a page turner. I was so glad to read in the authors notes it's going to be a series - and I am totally hooked. Five massive stars for this
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley, Mark Griffin, and the team at Boldwood Books for providing me this advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Final rating: 4 stars.
The Head Collector is a classic crime-fiction novel following the hunt for a dangerous and intelligent serial killer. Our main character, Oswald Bennett, is the son of 2 psychopaths, and has used his upbringing to form his career in criminal psychology. Asked for his assistance by the police in determining whether the supposed suicide of a woman was indeed a calculated murder, Oswald is brought into a gruesome and sadistic web of a serial killer's trap.
The book is incredibly fast paced and gripping throughout, with a lot of twists and revelations throughout the entirety of the book that help to keep the story fresh and exciting. The stakes are incredibly high, and reading about Oswald and Anderson coming together to solve the crime provides a vehicle for the reader to try to work out various threads of the story themselves. The book has all of the components of a great crime mystery and accomplishes these components effectively. Oswald himself is also a very compelling character who remains consistent and enjoyable throughout the story; a grumpy, sarcastic, and foul-mouthed Brit with a gut-wrenching back story and sharp instincts.
There is a lot of discussion within this book about the nature of psychopathy and its relation to serial killing. This is something that the book explores heavily, and fundamentally taking the view that psychopathy is something is not something that can be cured and often presents a danger. This is something that could potentially risk as controversial within the field of psychiatry and personality disorders, and may present an overall simplistic view of Antisocial Personality Disorders as a whole. Sometimes, this did result in sweeping claims that may not necessarily function as completely foolproof litmus tests in order to determine the prevalence of psychopathy. It would have been more interesting to have shown some nuance to the argument at hand, and perhaps have had the main character questioning more of his steadfast beliefs.
Overall, this is a well-done crime fiction that keeps you gripped and interested throughout. Perfect for fans of M.W. Craven and Steve Cavanagh.
Final rating: 4 stars.
The Head Collector is a classic crime-fiction novel following the hunt for a dangerous and intelligent serial killer. Our main character, Oswald Bennett, is the son of 2 psychopaths, and has used his upbringing to form his career in criminal psychology. Asked for his assistance by the police in determining whether the supposed suicide of a woman was indeed a calculated murder, Oswald is brought into a gruesome and sadistic web of a serial killer's trap.
The book is incredibly fast paced and gripping throughout, with a lot of twists and revelations throughout the entirety of the book that help to keep the story fresh and exciting. The stakes are incredibly high, and reading about Oswald and Anderson coming together to solve the crime provides a vehicle for the reader to try to work out various threads of the story themselves. The book has all of the components of a great crime mystery and accomplishes these components effectively. Oswald himself is also a very compelling character who remains consistent and enjoyable throughout the story; a grumpy, sarcastic, and foul-mouthed Brit with a gut-wrenching back story and sharp instincts.
There is a lot of discussion within this book about the nature of psychopathy and its relation to serial killing. This is something that the book explores heavily, and fundamentally taking the view that psychopathy is something is not something that can be cured and often presents a danger. This is something that could potentially risk as controversial within the field of psychiatry and personality disorders, and may present an overall simplistic view of Antisocial Personality Disorders as a whole. Sometimes, this did result in sweeping claims that may not necessarily function as completely foolproof litmus tests in order to determine the prevalence of psychopathy. It would have been more interesting to have shown some nuance to the argument at hand, and perhaps have had the main character questioning more of his steadfast beliefs.
Overall, this is a well-done crime fiction that keeps you gripped and interested throughout. Perfect for fans of M.W. Craven and Steve Cavanagh.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Oswald Bennet is a criminal psychologist and a college professor. Sorry. Oswald Bennet is a foul-mouthed criminal psychologist who always says offensive things and doesn’t trust anyone. And he happens to also teach college classes.
Is he qualified to help the police in a questionable suicide? Sure. He has degrees from universities. But his greatest lessons have been learned from his parents. The parents who happen to be in prison for trying kill each other.
When I read the blurb for the book, I was sure this was going to be a hardnose novel. Dark. Gritty. What I wasn’t prepared for was the number of times that Oswald had me laughing from either what he said or the situations he created. Now, don’t get me wrong. This book is dark and gritty. It is not a comedy. But Oswald is so refreshing. Within the first few chapters he was in, I was a fan and ready to buy a complete series starring Oswald Bennet.
But he isn’t the only character that you will be drawn to. DI Anderson is pretty amazing herself. And the combo of the two is so good.
In the midst of these incredible characters, there is a really good mystery to check out.
Not sure if we are going to have to wait a year for the next book in the series or if we will get another one in the near future. Whatever the case, I’m ready RIGHT NOW to read the next one.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.
Is he qualified to help the police in a questionable suicide? Sure. He has degrees from universities. But his greatest lessons have been learned from his parents. The parents who happen to be in prison for trying kill each other.
When I read the blurb for the book, I was sure this was going to be a hardnose novel. Dark. Gritty. What I wasn’t prepared for was the number of times that Oswald had me laughing from either what he said or the situations he created. Now, don’t get me wrong. This book is dark and gritty. It is not a comedy. But Oswald is so refreshing. Within the first few chapters he was in, I was a fan and ready to buy a complete series starring Oswald Bennet.
But he isn’t the only character that you will be drawn to. DI Anderson is pretty amazing herself. And the combo of the two is so good.
In the midst of these incredible characters, there is a really good mystery to check out.
Not sure if we are going to have to wait a year for the next book in the series or if we will get another one in the near future. Whatever the case, I’m ready RIGHT NOW to read the next one.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Head Collector is definitely worth the read.
Who doesn’t love a good book about a serial killer. I flew through this one and was hooked from start to finish. The character development was excellent and the storyline was very satisfying beginning to end! Highly recommend.
Thank you #BoldwoodBooks #NetGalley #BoldwoodInsider for the ARC to read and review!
Who doesn’t love a good book about a serial killer. I flew through this one and was hooked from start to finish. The character development was excellent and the storyline was very satisfying beginning to end! Highly recommend.
Thank you #BoldwoodBooks #NetGalley #BoldwoodInsider for the ARC to read and review!
September 16, 2026
The Head Collector was my first book from this author and I was instantly hooked. A dark psychological thriller that unfolded at pace and a plot that drew me in with each turn of the page. It’s a dark, chilling c psychological thriller that I can highly recommend. Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and the author for the chance to review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is my first book by Mark Griffin, and I enjoyed every minute of it. The opening immediately hooked me in with the discovery a of a woman who is found decapitated, and
D I Anderson of the Portland police is called to investigate. She enlists the help of a brilliant but unconventional criminal psychologist, Oswald Bennet, who is a wonderfully crafted character, and for me he is the star of the show, with his unconventional upbringing, his intriguing backstory, and his complex relationship with his parents.
I loved the easy going relationship between Oswald and D I Anderson, with their brilliant mix of humour and darkness, and I hope there’s a lot more to come from this dynamic partnership. The characters really do leap off the page and there’s an emotional depth to this story.
The Head Collector goes beyond the usual police procedural, offering a fascinating insight through the eyes of a criminal psychologist, while the voice of the unknown narrator—the perpetrator—adds an unsettling air of menace.
This is an adrenaline pumping, serial killer thriller which is paced to perfection, dark, tense and impossible to put down, and it exceeded my expectations. This book is definitely one to add to your TBR if you like your thrillers twisty, gripping and a little dark.
4.5 stars rounded up.
Many thanks to @netgalley and @boldwoodbooks for the ARC.
D I Anderson of the Portland police is called to investigate. She enlists the help of a brilliant but unconventional criminal psychologist, Oswald Bennet, who is a wonderfully crafted character, and for me he is the star of the show, with his unconventional upbringing, his intriguing backstory, and his complex relationship with his parents.
I loved the easy going relationship between Oswald and D I Anderson, with their brilliant mix of humour and darkness, and I hope there’s a lot more to come from this dynamic partnership. The characters really do leap off the page and there’s an emotional depth to this story.
The Head Collector goes beyond the usual police procedural, offering a fascinating insight through the eyes of a criminal psychologist, while the voice of the unknown narrator—the perpetrator—adds an unsettling air of menace.
This is an adrenaline pumping, serial killer thriller which is paced to perfection, dark, tense and impossible to put down, and it exceeded my expectations. This book is definitely one to add to your TBR if you like your thrillers twisty, gripping and a little dark.
4.5 stars rounded up.
Many thanks to @netgalley and @boldwoodbooks for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was hooked from the very first chapter! The setting, atmosphere, and characters immediately pulled me in, and I ended up finishing this in one sitting because I had to know how it was all going to end.
Oswald Bennet is such an interesting character. He’s a criminal psychologist with a very complicated past, a sharp mind, and a personality that is equal parts blunt, unconventional, and entertaining. I really enjoyed his dynamic with DI Anderson, and watching the two of them work together was one of my favorite parts of the book.
The story is dark, gritty, and definitely not for the faint of heart, but there are also moments of humor that kept it from feeling relentlessly heavy. The pacing was excellent, and I loved how the investigation unfolded alongside the killer’s perspective. It kept the tension high and made it very difficult to put the book down.
This was my first book by Mark Griffin, and it definitely won’t be my last. I’m already looking forward to seeing where Oswald’s story goes next!
Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books, and Mark Griffin for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.
Oswald Bennet is such an interesting character. He’s a criminal psychologist with a very complicated past, a sharp mind, and a personality that is equal parts blunt, unconventional, and entertaining. I really enjoyed his dynamic with DI Anderson, and watching the two of them work together was one of my favorite parts of the book.
The story is dark, gritty, and definitely not for the faint of heart, but there are also moments of humor that kept it from feeling relentlessly heavy. The pacing was excellent, and I loved how the investigation unfolded alongside the killer’s perspective. It kept the tension high and made it very difficult to put the book down.
This was my first book by Mark Griffin, and it definitely won’t be my last. I’m already looking forward to seeing where Oswald’s story goes next!
Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books, and Mark Griffin for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
An absolute belter of a thriller and a brilliant start to a potential series
Having never read anything by Mark Griffin before, I wasn't entirely sure what I was walking into with The Head Collector. However, it completely blew me away from the very first chapter and ended up being an easy five-star read.
The story dives straight into a dark and gripping mystery that keeps you guessing all the way through. The pacing is spot on, building up the tension nicely without ever dragging, and the dark atmosphere kept me completely hooked.
What really stood out for me, though, were the characters. Even though this is my first time reading this author, the writing makes the people on the page feel so real and fleshed out. I am really hopeful that this becomes a series because I enjoyed it so much, and I would love to see how these characters develop and grow in future books.
If you love a gritty crime thriller with brilliant pacing and characters you actually care about, you definitely need to pick this one up.
Thank you to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts.
Having never read anything by Mark Griffin before, I wasn't entirely sure what I was walking into with The Head Collector. However, it completely blew me away from the very first chapter and ended up being an easy five-star read.
The story dives straight into a dark and gripping mystery that keeps you guessing all the way through. The pacing is spot on, building up the tension nicely without ever dragging, and the dark atmosphere kept me completely hooked.
What really stood out for me, though, were the characters. Even though this is my first time reading this author, the writing makes the people on the page feel so real and fleshed out. I am really hopeful that this becomes a series because I enjoyed it so much, and I would love to see how these characters develop and grow in future books.
If you love a gritty crime thriller with brilliant pacing and characters you actually care about, you definitely need to pick this one up.
Thank you to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
📚 THE HEAD COLLECTOR 📚
Mark Griffin
Publishes 10/19/26
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to @boldwoodbooks, @markdcgriffin, and @netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Criminal psychologist Oswald Bennet has spent his life studying murderers, partly because he grew up around them. When a woman’s gruesome death is dismissed as an elaborate suicide, Oswald recognizes the work of a calculating predator who treats murder like a performance. As more bodies appear and the case becomes personal, Oswald has to face the past he’s spent so much of his life trying to understand.
⸻
The Head Collector is a dark, fast-moving thriller with an unsettling premise and plenty of psychological tension. Oswald was the standout for me. He’s intelligent and complicated, with a past that adds another layer to the investigation.
The killer’s theatrical approach made the case especially chilling, and the stakes kept rising as the story went on. Some elements felt familiar to the genre, but Oswald’s personal history gave the story its own hook. If you enjoy dark police procedurals and profiler-led thrillers, this one is worth a look.
Mark Griffin
Publishes 10/19/26
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to @boldwoodbooks, @markdcgriffin, and @netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Criminal psychologist Oswald Bennet has spent his life studying murderers, partly because he grew up around them. When a woman’s gruesome death is dismissed as an elaborate suicide, Oswald recognizes the work of a calculating predator who treats murder like a performance. As more bodies appear and the case becomes personal, Oswald has to face the past he’s spent so much of his life trying to understand.
⸻
The Head Collector is a dark, fast-moving thriller with an unsettling premise and plenty of psychological tension. Oswald was the standout for me. He’s intelligent and complicated, with a past that adds another layer to the investigation.
The killer’s theatrical approach made the case especially chilling, and the stakes kept rising as the story went on. Some elements felt familiar to the genre, but Oswald’s personal history gave the story its own hook. If you enjoy dark police procedurals and profiler-led thrillers, this one is worth a look.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Boldwood publishing for inviting me to read this book. Mystery and Thrillers are one of my favourite genres so this is a big tick straight away. I've read a lot in this genre so you think you've read it all. I have to admit I didn't think I've read a thriller so quick a long time. This book was just so addictive. I'm not a big fan of American based books but this team up of British and American works so well. I love the cop and phycologist relationship it wasn't one over powering the other a great balance of the two characters working things out was so well written. Side characters were also a great addition i don't think there was a single character i didn't like. I hope this gets made into a series as I would love to see more and where the characters are going. A big round of applause especially when dealing with the contravention topic of suicide. Griffin wrote about this touch subject with respect and knowledge.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Having read and thoroughly enjoyed the Holly Wakefield series, I was keen to get my hands on this, the start of a new series featuring criminal psychologist, Oswald Bennett. Oswald is incredibly intelligent, has a foul mouth and no filter, I suspect he’ll be a Marmite character, but I personally liked him! Yes, he is at times, a pretentious know-it-all, and at other times, he is sensitive and vulnerable. His complex and traumatic childhood has clearly made him who he is, and I enjoyed the chapters that featured his exchanges with his parents. He builds a good working relationship with DI Anderson, which I think will become a friendship, and it’s very clear they’re both short of friends. The tale is dark, and gritty with the murders being suitably gruesome. The pace is quick and there are some humorous moments too, it was easy to get drawn in. All in all, this book is dark, macabre, totally absorbing, and the plot is perfectly executed. Very highly recommended.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Head Collector by Mark Griffin is a fast-paced, darkly humorous, and gruesome serial killer thriller featuring an unforgettable criminal psychologist whose own parents are in prison.
What an incredible pick to get back on track! Oswald Bennet is such a refreshing, complex, and darkly funny main character—a criminal psychologist whose worldview was shaped by having two psychopaths for parents.
Within just a few chapters, I was completely sold. The easygoing, banter-filled relationship and blend of humor and darkness between Oswald and DI Anderson gives the story great emotional depth, taking it far beyond the average police procedural.
Packed with a chilling, unsettling POV from the killer, the story is fast, furious, gritty, and totally mesmerizing. Exceeding all my expectations, this was a dark, tense, adrenaline-pumping page-turner from start to finish. 4 clever stars! 🧠🩸🔍🕵️♂️
The Head Collector by Mark Griffin is a fast-paced, darkly humorous, and gruesome serial killer thriller featuring an unforgettable criminal psychologist whose own parents are in prison.
What an incredible pick to get back on track! Oswald Bennet is such a refreshing, complex, and darkly funny main character—a criminal psychologist whose worldview was shaped by having two psychopaths for parents.
Within just a few chapters, I was completely sold. The easygoing, banter-filled relationship and blend of humor and darkness between Oswald and DI Anderson gives the story great emotional depth, taking it far beyond the average police procedural.
Packed with a chilling, unsettling POV from the killer, the story is fast, furious, gritty, and totally mesmerizing. Exceeding all my expectations, this was a dark, tense, adrenaline-pumping page-turner from start to finish. 4 clever stars! 🧠🩸🔍🕵️♂️
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A very good start to a new series featuring Maine's Oswald Bennet. The criminal psychologist is called in by police to consult on a case ruled a suicide. The lead detective has doubts and Bennet quickly establishes that a murder has been committed. And the organised and sophisticated nature of the crime makes him doubt that it is the killer's first - or last.
The novel establishes Bennet as an intriguing character with a difficult past. Both of his parents are in prison - for attempting to murder each other. And a suicide attempt still haunts Oswald. We hear some childhood tales but are left believing there is much more to come.
The Head Collector is fast paced and harrowing, a difficult read at times. Its mix of crime scene investigation and psychological insights gives depth to the narrative and the character development is very good. Roll on book 2!
The novel establishes Bennet as an intriguing character with a difficult past. Both of his parents are in prison - for attempting to murder each other. And a suicide attempt still haunts Oswald. We hear some childhood tales but are left believing there is much more to come.
The Head Collector is fast paced and harrowing, a difficult read at times. Its mix of crime scene investigation and psychological insights gives depth to the narrative and the character development is very good. Roll on book 2!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Boldwood Books for the invitation to review this book. Mark Griffin is a new author for me and I found this book very addicting. My husband tried to chat with me as I was reading this and I admit I did not hear a word he said-lol! Oswald Bennett is a British criminal psychologist, the son of two very twisted parents (without giving away any spoilers), living in Maine. Detective Anderson reaches out to him to consult on a case where it looks as if the victim committed suicide by decapitation which Oswald quickly realizes is not the case. Oswald and Anderson partnering together are fantastic! Griffin also handled the topic of suicide with grace in this book. Highly recommend and I will read him again! Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own. Rating: 5 stars Expected publication: 19 Oct 2026
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I went into this book halfway through the first chapter thinking, this might be a hard read. Well, I’m happy to report that I couldn’t have been more wrong!
I’ve been grabbing every spare five minutes here and there to squeeze in a couple of pages and find out what happens next.
The story centres around forensic psychologist Oswald Bennet, whose unfiltered interactions with others had me warming to him immediately.
The twists and turns were relentless, frequent and, at times, absolutely earth-shattering, without ever feeling overplayed. Just when I thought I had things figured out, the story had other ideas!
If you’re looking for a gripping crime thriller to get stuck into this spooky season, you’re in luck!
I’ve been grabbing every spare five minutes here and there to squeeze in a couple of pages and find out what happens next.
The story centres around forensic psychologist Oswald Bennet, whose unfiltered interactions with others had me warming to him immediately.
The twists and turns were relentless, frequent and, at times, absolutely earth-shattering, without ever feeling overplayed. Just when I thought I had things figured out, the story had other ideas!
If you’re looking for a gripping crime thriller to get stuck into this spooky season, you’re in luck!
October 9, 2026
Oswald is a criminal psychologist, he lectures at college and both his parents are psychopaths and in prison for trying to kill each other. He gets called in by the police to see a crime scene where it looks like a woman has committed suicide by guillotine but the lead detective is not convinced that it is suicide. Oswald agrees with her and a murder investigation starts. Oswald gets involved in trying to solve the case and another apparent suicide case turns up which Oswald is convinced is connected. Can Oswald and the police solve it before any more dead bodies turn up me is Oswald putting himself in danger?
The first book I have read by this author and I will certainly read more in the future.
Thank you to NetGalley for my advance copy of this book.
The first book I have read by this author and I will certainly read more in the future.
Thank you to NetGalley for my advance copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an advance reader copy. If you want a synopsis, click on the book.
This was my first book by Mark Griffin and it's an easy five stars. Oswald Bennet is a great character – winner/loser, blunt, sweary, world-weary and a loyal friend. His relationship with DI Anderson evolves nicely and promises a lot more for future books in the series.
The book is fast-paced, well-written and cleverly-plotted with bits that defy logic until Oswald works them out. If you like police procedure with psychology, read this book. You won't be disappointed.
This was my first book by Mark Griffin and it's an easy five stars. Oswald Bennet is a great character – winner/loser, blunt, sweary, world-weary and a loyal friend. His relationship with DI Anderson evolves nicely and promises a lot more for future books in the series.
The book is fast-paced, well-written and cleverly-plotted with bits that defy logic until Oswald works them out. If you like police procedure with psychology, read this book. You won't be disappointed.
September 22, 2026
This was my first book by Mark Griffin and it's an easy 4.5🌟
Oswald Bennet is a great character – sweary, a good friend and interesting,
His relationship with DI Anderson evolves well during the storyline and the storyline is great - well written, great plot (different), and there is definitely room for further books,
I’d class this as psychological meets Police procedural - highly recommend - you won’t be disappoiinted.
Thank you Netgalley, Boldwood Books and Mark Griffin.
More please.
Oswald Bennet is a great character – sweary, a good friend and interesting,
His relationship with DI Anderson evolves well during the storyline and the storyline is great - well written, great plot (different), and there is definitely room for further books,
I’d class this as psychological meets Police procedural - highly recommend - you won’t be disappoiinted.
Thank you Netgalley, Boldwood Books and Mark Griffin.
More please.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC of The Head Collector by Mark Griffin.
This book had me invested from the first chapter. Its dark, twisty and the Oswald and Anderson are such intriguing characters in their own right. The ending was predictable but the story leading up to it was engaging. Definitely a new author for me to seek out. I hope we get to see more.of Oswald and Anderson.
This book had me invested from the first chapter. Its dark, twisty and the Oswald and Anderson are such intriguing characters in their own right. The ending was predictable but the story leading up to it was engaging. Definitely a new author for me to seek out. I hope we get to see more.of Oswald and Anderson.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Brilliant book and one i absolutely loved. I love the main character Oswald and how unique he is and that he had parents like he did.
This is a great read that had you turning page after page and I love how he figured out what happened. The characters of Anderson and Harper were a great match for the story and I loved how it all ended.
Brilliant book very easy to read and one you just keep having to turn the pages to find out what's next!
This is a great read that had you turning page after page and I love how he figured out what happened. The characters of Anderson and Harper were a great match for the story and I loved how it all ended.
Brilliant book very easy to read and one you just keep having to turn the pages to find out what's next!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Gripping, fast, and brutal.
I loved Oswald; direct, blunt and doesn’t mince his words, with an element of humour, as well as high intelligence. I really enjoyed his perspective at each stage, although sometimes I felt it a stretch that his knowledge be so accurate. Unfortunately, I had the killer figured out from fairly early on, but the details of the killings and the journey of discovering the how’s and why’s were brilliantly written and kept me very hooked.
A fantastic read.
I loved Oswald; direct, blunt and doesn’t mince his words, with an element of humour, as well as high intelligence. I really enjoyed his perspective at each stage, although sometimes I felt it a stretch that his knowledge be so accurate. Unfortunately, I had the killer figured out from fairly early on, but the details of the killings and the journey of discovering the how’s and why’s were brilliantly written and kept me very hooked.
A fantastic read.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
NetGalley ARC review… thank you again for introducing me to another great author. This novel is suspense at its finest. It certainly had me hooked from the first page to the very last. The plot twist … I did not see coming. Just have to pick my jaw up off the ground…
My favourite part of the story was the main character- Oswald. I absolutely loved his mannerism 😂 if you know , you know. But the author certainly knew his stuff about criminal psychology. Highly recommend ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
My favourite part of the story was the main character- Oswald. I absolutely loved his mannerism 😂 if you know , you know. But the author certainly knew his stuff about criminal psychology. Highly recommend ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Head Collector is a thrilling, blood-soaked entry in the supernatural crime subgenre. Mark Griffin delivers a fast, dark, and chilling novel that will appeal to fans of hardboiled detective thrillers, occult horror, and uncompromising creature lore.
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