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An embittered and disillusioned policeman takes revenge on society in this unputdownable serial killer thriller.

Retired from the force, Detective Superintendent Jeffrey Brandt goes native. He stabs a woman but holds back from killing her. Frustrated that no one takes any notice, he ups his game. Next time, he’ll kill.

Brandt fully knows how the police work. He’ll use this knowledge to win a sick game; after all, he’s chosen the rules.

The crime scenes are spotless, Brandt’s covered his tracks. There is no forensic evidence. Yet each killing has his unmistakeable print.

Faced with the challenge of discovering his identity is DCI Stella Johnson. Quick-witted and uncompromising, she rises to Brandt’s macabre challenge. But if she finds the killer, what will she do given that he is always one step ahead?

Who will win this mortal battle of wits between hunter and hunted?

ONE STEP AHEAD is the first book in a trilogy featuring DSI Brandt and DCI Johnson. It is set in Nottingham and further afield in England.

It is FREE with Kindle Unlimited and coming soon in paperback.

HIDE AND SEEK, book 2, is on pre-order and will be released at the end of January. Seriously, you will not be able to wait.

272 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 7, 2018

530 people are currently reading
219 people want to read

About the author

Denver Murphy

16 books34 followers
I’m a British author covering a variety of genres but one thing links them all: concerns with the humanity. Whether it’s the greed of individuals, happy to risk what they have in the pursuit of more, or people’s indifference to the ills that blight society, so long as they are not directly affected themselves, each of my books has a dark undertone.

I don’t write to change the world but perhaps my work serves to shine a spotlight on those aspects which trouble me the most. What I really seek to do is to entertain and engross. Literature finds itself with ever more competition with the different ways people can fill their leisure time, and yet no other media can spark the imagination in quite the same way.

A good plot can only become compelling if the characters are rich and varied. My books are always written from their perspective and whether you find yourself rooting for them or not, you will care what happens. They are, similarly, single greatest thing that keeps me writing. I may have created these people but they take on a life of their own and often surprise me with the directions they choose.

If you are a voracious reader who can’t get through the day without picking up a book, or just someone seeking a dose of fiction to accompany them beside the pool on holiday, there is much to find and enjoy in my work.

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5 stars
277 (41%)
4 stars
214 (32%)
3 stars
125 (18%)
2 stars
34 (5%)
1 star
13 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
Profile Image for Briar's Reviews.
2,316 reviews579 followers
November 8, 2022
This book is a fascinating thriller that will leave you on the edge of your seat!

I really liked this novel, especially since it was refreshing and exciting to read. At every twist and turn I was hooked and wanted more!

One of the best parts of this novels is the changing point of views. Switching back and forth between Brandt and Johnson with her fellow officers was an excellent way to show both sides of this crime story. I really love a good crime novel that lets you see into the bad guy's point of view and understand his motives, rather than just showing the good guys' point of view the entire novel.

Denver's writing style really matched my reading style with this novel. I highly recommend everyone pick this novel up as soon as possible if you love a great crime drama with a large gallon of suspense and thriller mixed in.

If anything, the character development of Brandt was the most interesting part of this book, by seeing his background, his motives and his actions. The arc of his character was so addicting, even without all of the crime drama going on around him. He is a bit of a dark character, so if you're light-hearted this story may not be for you! But, it's so worth the read! This wild character is one of the best characters I've seen in quite a while in works of fiction!

I don't have any cons for this novel, because it truly was an epic read. It kept me interested the entire time, the plot was intriguing, the characters had depth, and you will not see the ending coming!

Overall, I highly recommend this book! It's a must read for all crime enthusiasts!

Five out of five stars!

I received a copy of this novel from the author Denver Murphy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Cathy Ryan.
1,270 reviews76 followers
August 6, 2018
Detective Inspector Jeffrey Brandt retires after a long and very successful career with one aim in mind. He has always been able to understand what drives people to kill and was therefore able to find motives even in cases that didn’t follow a pattern or plan. The more offenders who were found not guilty as the years went by made Brandt wonder what it was all for. He decided to take action in order to make the British public wake up and change their attitude towards the justice system.

Detective Chief Inspector Stella Johnson doesn’t believe in the perfect murder. There’s always a clue, you just have to look hard enough. Nobody is infallible. Together with the newest member of the team, her protégé PC McNeil, the team work to uncover the identity of the murderer.

As stated in the description, this takes the classic cat and mouse scenario and flips it on its head. Brandt’s moral decline pitted against Johnson’s single minded sense of purpose makes this a plot based police procedural, which comes from both Brandt’s and Johnson’s perspectives. This works well giving a rounded view of what’s happening.

Brandt is an unusual and quite scary character to say the least, going from a highly regarded police officer to a serial killer who believes he’s doing something for the greater good. What a skewed mindset…. but it definitely gives the story an edge.

I liked that I didn’t know where the plot was taking me….and what a twist at the end. Given that, and the fact there’s a follow on, it’s anyone’s guess where the story will go next.
Profile Image for Louisa Dwyer.
39 reviews2 followers
June 26, 2018
Fantastic crime thriller

I so enjoyed this book and believe any fans of the genre would too. Creepy and gripping writing, particularly the chapters written through the eyes of the killer. The main characters are well developed and believable and make for an excellent, consistent plot. The writing style reminded me greatly of James Patterson but with a refreshing UK edge and a dose of realism. Highly recommended!
Profile Image for Jasmine Shouse.
Author 6 books86 followers
May 24, 2018
An intricate look at the game of chase between a retired cop turned serial killer and the fiery-tempered yet brilliant Stella Johnson, Gamekeeper Turned Poacher is a page-turner that's difficult to put down. As a crime fiction aficionado, even I couldn't have guessed the gut-wrenching twist at the end. Denver Murphy does a wonderful job of bringing the characters to life, showing the wonders of intelligence and the pitfalls of ego. Looking forward to the next one!
1 review
April 25, 2018
Loved this book, a real page turner. The book allows you to really get under the skin of the characters and enables you to build up sufficient empathy to really care about the good and bad ones... looking forward to the next installment.
Profile Image for Sharon J.
554 reviews36 followers
August 7, 2018
One Step Ahead is a fast moving crime thriller that grips hold of you and doesn’t let you go. I was totally captivated by the characters - Brandt the disillusioned, retired detective turned murderer on one side and on the police detective side is the brazen and forceful DCI Stella Johnson and her young protege PC O’Neil. The story moves between the two sides as the twisted tale unfolds.

Women in positions of command do tend to have to deal with a lot of issues and it was very positive that DCI Stella Johnson’s commanding officer DCI Potter is supportive and provides her with advise in dealing with the male dominated environment and acknowledges her abilities and strengths as a detective.

The publishers blurb is an excellent introduction to the novel giving a little insight into the plot and characters without lessening the tension and suspense that builds up as the story progresses. It also highlights the philosophical approach of Brandt - after a long time on the police force he feels he hasn’t made a difference and that society needs a wake up call which he intends to provide!

This is a scary story that is very unsettling and the unexpected ending left me flabbergasted and devastated.

According to the author’s ‘Afterword’ the second book in this trilogy, Hide and Seek, starts where One Step Ahead ended so I’m going to have to read that as I do feel a bit left up in the air.

While I do recommend this as a sensational read it is also very disturbing.

Thank you to Voracious Readers Only and author Denver Murphy for an ebook to read and review.
Profile Image for Judy Munoz.
320 reviews2 followers
December 11, 2018
I received a review copy of this book from the author through Voracious Readers. I have never read anything by this author before. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. I read a lot of thrillers and as a result I am sometimes disappointed. But not with this book! It was a spine-tingling, gripping story, bordering on creepy, and I loved it. The characters were all well developed and I found myself getting heavily invested in them, even the “villain”. At times, I almost felt like I was right there with them. The story was fast-paced and well written. And best of all, I couldn’t predict what would happen next! Definitely a must-read for anyone who enjoys a really good thriller.
14 reviews
September 15, 2018
I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review. I found this a very easy book to read and from the first chapter it gripped my interest to such a point that I just didn't want to put it down. The author concentrates more on the killer. The fact that he is a retired senior police officer intrigued me. From the beginning you know who the killer is so the mystery is why did he become a serial killer. I found myself pondering on the 'nature v nurture' question. There is an insight into the mind of a serial killer that is gripping. I found myself trying to read between the lines, questioning his reasoning in doing what he was doing, His complete indifference to the suffering he was causing to families and the victims plus he way of justifying his actions. Definitely a thought provoking book. I will also admit I didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I did and would definitely recommend it. I will admit to being frustrated at the ending and certainly didn't expect it to end in the way it did leaving me having to buy the next book as I am intrigued to read the next chapter which I suspect is exactly the response the author hoped for.
1,285 reviews19 followers
January 20, 2019
One Step Ahead is exciting and dramatic right to the end. I liked how it kept switching between the perspective of the killer and the police. It was interesting to read the killers thoughts and actions. I like the characters and how they developed throughout the book. I would definitely recommend this book. I received a free copy of this book from the author through Voracious Readers Only for an honest review.
Profile Image for Tina.
1,298 reviews9 followers
September 23, 2018
Retired cop Brandt turns serial killer! Perfect knowledge to keep one step ahead of Stella Johnson and McNeill. Perfect game of cat and mouse without any evidence linking the crimes to anyone or each murder. Edge of the seat reading and a story that just encapsulates you with every word. A must read!
Free from the author through voraciousreadersonly.
59 reviews
August 7, 2018
I received this book from Voracious readers in return for a honest review.
Wonderful, excellent storyline, a retired cop turned serial killer. Lots of great twists and turns.
Really enjoyed reading this book
13 reviews
August 21, 2018
I was lucky enough to receive a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Voracious Readers Only. It got me in right from the start, a real page turner that kept me guessing all the way through. Likeable characters. A great read.
4 reviews
January 23, 2019
Can't wait until the next book

Not my usual genre but once i started this book i couldn't stop!Amazing characters well thought out plot, and the ending while making me sad has me now impatiently waiting the next book would recommend this book highly
1 review
May 21, 2019
Excellent read, fast paced, good characters


Highly Recommended . I was sad when I finished the book. Johnson is another Jane Tennyson From Prime Suspect. Read, you won't be disappointed
3 reviews
August 22, 2018
Strong Women lead

Good action and how men react when woman go their
own way.
Age didn't matter to them just wanted to see where it would laed
Profile Image for Hayley Whitehouse.
1 review1 follower
September 5, 2018
Very good crime thriller, very fast paced that keeps the interest throughout. The characters develop with the story drawing you in. Can’t wait to read the follow on.
332 reviews1 follower
February 15, 2019
A book you cant stop reading!

The plot of this book is excellent. The murderer is obnoxious and the two detectives chasing him are relentless. I'm glad to have discovered this author.
Profile Image for Christie.
1,235 reviews12 followers
September 7, 2018
I was given a complimentary copy of this novel from the author and Voracious Readers Only. It is an amazing novel. I loved how it switched from the killer's point of view to the police department trying to track him.

This is one novel that I would have loved to have 1 more chapter just to finish things off.

Looking forward to reading more books by Denver Murphy.
11 reviews1 follower
September 8, 2018
Received a free copy of "One Step Ahead " by Denver Murphy from author on Voracious Readers Only. I really liked this book it was a book that I didn't want to put down. I was into it in the first chapter. I will be buying the next book in this series can't wait to read it.
Profile Image for Kristine.
40 reviews2 followers
September 8, 2018
Good book. The ending was a little surprising. Perhaps there will be a sequel.
189 reviews3 followers
July 23, 2018
WOW
What a brilliant storyline, the hunter now turns into the hunted who is always one step ahead.
This really is a gripping crime thriller as it grabs you from page 1 and drags you down a twisting turning path and doesn’t let go until you reach the end.......... then you find it’s not the end but a fork in the road!
Received this complimentary copy from Voracious Readers Only in exchange for honest review, but absolutely loved it!
The characters are well written and the story bounces smoothly from one character to the next with the story written from their perspective from the ambitious young copper to the hardened inspector to the killer who has see it all.

Profile Image for Anna Hill.
Author 1 book1 follower
July 18, 2018
I enjoyed this book from beginning to end!
It was so well paced that I felt compelled to continue reading after each chapter and got very frustrated when other things got in my way. I loved the parallel viewpoints and thought it worked exceptionally well and actually the whole story played out like a film in my mind. I could see exactly how it would work.
I don’t want to give away any of the plot but the suspense continues right it the end...
When I finished it I was delighted to discover there are 2 more in the series, I shall definitely be buying them and feel this author has a lot more to offer in the future.
Profile Image for Tony Parsons.
4,156 reviews101 followers
June 27, 2018
Nottingham. Mr. Josh Ramage, cancelled the gym date with Sarah Donavan (35+).
BEEP! A car horn alerted her she was in the middle of the street.
Interview room. DCI Stella Johnson & PC McNeil were interrogating Josh.
Sarah had been stabbed to death.
What lab news did DC Hardy receive?
Detective Superintendent Inspector (55+) Potter had been given the information also.
Watford Gap services shops, café/restaurants. Cross Keys pub. Jeffrey Brandt (former Detective Superintendent) was observing PC Fiona Strachan, & DCI Johnson.
Canterbury. The 2nd female victim (25+) had also been stabbed/killed with a serrated knife.
DCI Clarice Marlowe had found a murder weapon.
The female who was murdered is Lily James.

DCI Johnson & PC McNeil went to interview Sarah Donovan.
Will the murder mysteries get solved & someone brought to justice?
Wow we all used that Brylcreem in the 50-60’s.

Warning: This book contains extremely graphic adult content, violence, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive or have potential adverse psychological effects on the reader.

I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.

A very awesome book cover, & great font/writing style. Wow, a very well written who-dunnit murder mystery book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great murder mystery movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.

Thank you for the free Goodreads; Making Connections; Making Connections discussion group talk; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons (Washburn)
7 reviews
November 2, 2018
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Voracious Readers Only and have thoroughly enjoyed reading it. The writing style and story line pull you through wanting to see how far the killer can progress and how quickly the police can close in on him. A criticism would be that having brought the excitement to a peak the story ends very abruptly, not something that I'm a fan of. Would still recommend as a good read
Profile Image for Kari.
4,028 reviews96 followers
October 19, 2019
One Step Ahead was a pleasant surprise. It was a random pick off my library's Overdrive site. The first in a trilogy, it features a disgruntled retired Police Detective who decides to turn into a serial killer. The story is told in the duel perspectives of DS Jeffery Brandt (the serial killer) and DCI Stella Johnson.

What I really liked about this book was getting into the head of Brandt and seeing his rationale for turning to this particular life of crime. We also get to see his slow decline into madness as well as how he progresses to get more and more violent in his attacks. I really liked the main character Stella. She is a very smart and intuitive detective. Even though we, the readers, know who is committing the murders, it was still interesting to watch Stella and her partner figure things out.

The book ends on a major cliffhanger. I definitely want to continue with the trilogy to see what comes next for these characters.
1,149 reviews7 followers
August 11, 2021
Going to the Dark Side

A retired detective turns to murder. Convinced he is on a mission to alert the people of England to the decline of society he finds he enjoys the hunt and the arousal murder provides. That is until the beautiful detective handling the case calls into question his sexual prowess. Seeing red, he changes focus and begins a lethal campaign against her.

Overall this book held my interest. Brandt's motivation seems weak and he is rather bloodless. I found the portions where his female detective acts sexually aggressive towards her hand picked boy toy assistant offensive and unbelievable. Anyone who works as hard as she did to attain her rank and respect in a male oriented profession knows better than to mess where she eats. Tempted to read the next in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews

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