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Detective Robin Matthews cracks under the pressure of the killer-or will she be saved?

The flashing memories continue, and Robin is enslaved by the nightmares that haunt her. The more she tries to run from the Butcher, the more he seems to follow her.

As the pressure mounts and the bodies pile up, the Detective wonders if she will ever be able to catch a killer as elusive as this. Robin is thrown into a mess that doesn’t just challenge her intellect but also her mental stability.

Just when Robin may finally have a chance at her happy ending, she loses someone to the Executioner. The deeper she dives in to put an end to it all, the more insane she feels.

Will she finally catch the killer that has tortured her for so long? Or is she already caught in his elaborate trap?

James Patterson’s fans are going to love this absolutely gripping Thriller Novella!

Kindle Edition

First published May 12, 2021

33 people are currently reading
36 people want to read

About the author

Audrey Walker

90 books91 followers
Audrey Walker is a young and rising international best-selling Author in the Mystery & Suspense niche.

Walker's books are fast-paced, nail-biting pageturners with twists you won't see coming.

Walker lives currently in south Germany with her husband and a newly born daughter. When she is not writing or reading, you will find her climbing up the Alps in Switzerland and walking aroung the Black Forest in south of Germany.

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5 stars
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15 (16%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
6,726 reviews5 followers
May 6, 2023
Entertaining paranormal listening 🎶🔰

Robin Matthews continues to investigate the murder of women that look like her. At the construction site there is a woman 🚺 hanging from the crane. Then something hits her in the head and wakes up ☝ in the hospital. James from the FBI joins the police team. Robin is arrested for the murders and escapes with the help of Kyle. Continued in book three. I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of paranormal fantasy adventure mystery novels 👍🔰. 2023 👒😀😡😮
961 reviews4 followers
November 13, 2022
Murdered Lookalikes, Just As Many Paper Clues!

by Barbara Kelley

One Step Ahead: A gripping psychological Thriller Novella I
in the Robin Matthews Series is Book 2 of Season 1, written by Audrey Walker. Book 2 began where Book 1 ended. Several more women are murdered and beheaded, being murdered in places where Robin had visited or lived as a child through adulthood, and then being dropped off in a different location, also known by Robin. All of the victims have black hair, black eyes, and the same facial features as Robin. She knows the Butcher is dead because of his head and hand matching DNA found in murders 10 years before. The second murderer was labeled "The Executioner" by the media. The press seems to know a lot more than the police have revealed and, therefore, I think this executioner is associated with the police department. There's a new guy, James, who is an F.B.I. agent, and he's just too pretty, handsome, and gentlemanly to be up to any good. I've seen a lot of F.B.I. themed shows and every time the agent looks too good to be true, then they probably have something to do with the bad guys. When James enters the picture, he makes Robin feel safe, plus he flirts with her and even kisses her. She constantly tells herself that even though he does all of this, she still doesn't trust him. That doesn't keep her from inviting James to her sister Abby's wedding. And guess who is singing the tune of a Nick Jonas song "Jealous"! None other than Detective Kyle, Robin's partner. He is trying to help Robin with these murder cases, but his jealousy is getting in the way of him helping her. Captain Roy, Robin's boss, and almost like a father to her since her own parents were killed in an accident when she was six years old, is trying to find the killer. The messages she receives are linked to the time 10 years ago when Robin was kidnapped and tortured for almost 6 months in a basement of a house. She has lost a lot of her memory about events that happened in that basement, but she keeps having nightmares that foreshadow the events that lead up to her escaping the basement. Her dreams have her remembering a small boy, probably younger than 10 years of age also being in that basement. She promised him that they could be friends. That promise could be what the killer wants Robin to remember. That child would be around 20 years of age now, and he could be the Executioner. The media knows facts about the murders that the police never revealed. Someone in the police department HAS to have leaked that information. And I think I know who that person is. He is a very young police officer who seems enamored and in puppy love with Robin. If you read The Butcher's Head, you'll know who I'm talking about. He's muscular enough to commit all the murders. However, I could really be wringing wet in the head with my theories because the killer's identity is not revealed in this book, and this person is not the most likely suspect. It is just that I'm 67 years old and I've read literally thousands of mysteries, and watched even more mysteries on TV, VHS, DVD, and at the theater. Anyway, a real twist happens in the last couple of chapters that might leave you thinking that Robin committed all these murders herself; but, be rest assured that Robin can't be the serial killer because there are 3 more books in Season 1, as well as 10 other books in other seasons where Robin is a detective. It would be like saying that Jessica Fletcher in Murder She Wrote killed all those characters in her books and TV series. Ha, ha, ha, ha! Anyhooo, I gave this 2nd episode of Season 1 a 5-star rating, but it also deserves about 100 stars. I will read Book 3, The Child's Plan, next.This is the only series of books I'm reading until so find out who this serial killer is.
Profile Image for Merry Chapman.
2,592 reviews24 followers
October 21, 2021
The second novella in this series will keep you turning pages while on the edge of your seat. With Robin's battered and bruised escape from The Butcher who was beheading his victims, and blocking her memories of the trauma, seems to be trying to get back at Robin in this novella. He is going on his rampage of beheading women who look a lot like Robin. Can she and her partner, Kyle catch him? Enter a very suave and good looking FBI agent who is sent there to help the detectives solve the Butcher case. Twists and turns and more murders while Robin is trying to remember everything she could about the trauma she went through with the Butcher. But he always seems to be one step ahead. Will they catch him? Will she be able to remember any clues? Then we have the cliff hanger ending that will blow you away! Totally unexpected! I received and ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
Profile Image for Sammye.
4,432 reviews30 followers
October 26, 2021
One Step Ahead is the 2nd book in the Robin Matthews series and the intrigue continues. The squad is still on the trail of the Executioner. Robin is having memories/flashbacks of her time in a basement as a prisoner of the Butcher. All the clues point to that time. I really expected Robin and James, the FBI agent, to have a “thing”, and was surprised when he turned on her, along with her partner, Kyle, and the Captain. There are so many twists and turns, I was constantly guessing what would happen next. There’s a cliffhanger, so I’ll have to read book #3 to find out. This is a very entertaining mystery/suspense series. *this honest review is based on a complimentary copy from the author*
1,612 reviews32 followers
March 30, 2022
This is a brilliant read! It pulled me in from beginning to end and held my attention. The world building is detailed and imaginative. This novel has strong, well developed characters and an interesting story line that keeps you turning the pages. I recommend this novel and would read more novels by this author. I received a free copy of this book via BookFunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Robin Price.
1,167 reviews45 followers
July 4, 2021
Suspenseful and unpredictable, Audrey Walker steps aside from her usual police procedural novels with a tense psychological thriller that lets a little romance seep into Robin Matthews' life only to snatch everything away as she is forced to fight the demons in her memory.
Terrific and terrifying in equal measures.
Profile Image for Dwayne Keller.
1,009 reviews13 followers
March 20, 2022
This intense story continues. Robin is losing sleep and not eating. Every time she closes her eyes she has nightmares of her kidnapping. FBI Agent James arrives to help with the case. Can Robin remember her past and solve this insane case? Another page turner as you try to figure out who is doing this and why.
Profile Image for karin whitehead.
1,026 reviews9 followers
October 14, 2022
Robin tries to solve the crimes of the "executioner" and hunts on her own, without Kyle or the FBI guy. Her nightmares are more intense, her fainting more frequent, Robin is borderline insane, working without sleep, without food and without trusting anyone. She is taken into custody. Book is getting very intense...on to the next.....
Profile Image for blueyed_cntry_girl.
1,583 reviews4 followers
June 6, 2022
This is a great series! I think this is my new favorite series by Audrey. Although I read the first book (which has the first 5 episodes) and much rather liked it better that way.

I received this as an arc and this is my honest and voluntary review.
433 reviews7 followers
November 9, 2022
Second part of the Robin Matthews thriller. Story developed and Rodbin is in deep trouble evidence piling up against her things look bad, story is developing and keeps you guessing what's next have to wait for part three, all in all a Good read which keeps the interest flowing
1,823 reviews13 followers
November 18, 2022
Bodies are piling up and detective Robin Matthews is hoping to find the killer. Robin still has a memory loss from her time in captivity. This series is so captivating, ready for the next installment.
Profile Image for Diane Dixon.
464 reviews
August 5, 2023
A Very Compelling Book!!

This book already had me hooked from the previous books in this series. So much has happened and it’s got me spellbound. I couldn’t read fast enough to see what was going to happen. So much mystery and suspense. Wow just wow!!
516 reviews2 followers
September 4, 2025
great series


I'm amazed that this author can write so many fantastic novels, I hope that she never stops writing. Her books are some of the best Entertainment  I have read and worth the time to read them. Thank you for a very fun entertaining read.
Profile Image for Donna Murphy.
117 reviews1 follower
May 19, 2021
Very Good Book

All of those male cops grated on my last nerve. They acted like idiots towards the end. All of these cliffhangers are getting on my nerves too.
Profile Image for Michelle.
189 reviews1 follower
March 27, 2023
Amazing

Gripping and intoxicating. The type of story that grabs the reader by the shirt and shakes them to their core. Loved it
Profile Image for Lee Brothers.
1,381 reviews14 followers
May 24, 2021
This is one twisted story!! It is so frustrating to read and then to have it end in a cliffhanger. This author has a great imagination and she knows how to tell story. Please hurry up and write the next book!!
283 reviews2 followers
May 21, 2021
Excellent, excellent book!! This book grabbed my interest from the first page. It flows well and there are many twists and turns. You will never believe what is happening and there are some surprises. Read this series from the start and you won't be disappointed. I received an ARC copy and am leaving an honest review.
1,193 reviews
July 15, 2021
As Robin continues to try to remember what happened to her in the basement all those years ago, she is exhausted from lack of sleep, not eating, and suffering from headaches. As the murders continue, her captain wants to remove her from the case, but she convinces him to let her continue. The FBI get involved in the case. As they continue to work the case, her fellow officers start to not believe in anything she is saying. Join Robin as she gathers the evidence and starts to put the puzzle together.

The storyline was intense. It was action-packed with a strong heroine, a likable cast and it got you engaged rooting for Robin to solve this case. So many twists and turns to keep you guessing. What a gripping thriller that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat.
Profile Image for Rosemary.
3,889 reviews71 followers
May 12, 2021
One Step Ahead - a review by Rosemary Kenny

Serial killer copycat 'The Executioner,' leaves a gruesome trail for Detective Robin Matthews to find - then attacks and leaves her unconscious, to be found by her partner Detective Kyle.
After her release from hospital, Robin, her bride-to-be sister Abby and their friends, are at Abby's hen party when another body is found outside.
Who is sent by the FBI to help with the case?
How does Kyle react? Whom does Robin kiss?
Undergoing retrograde hypnotherapy leaves Robin prey to frequent nightmare visions and flashbacks to her imprisonment and torture by The Butcher.

When things get twisted around by the perpetrator, Robin can't prove how evidence against her has been planted. Everyone seems to believe James's psychological profiling and the unthinkable happens...can Robin make things right with Kyle's help? Audrey Walker's One Step Ahead reveals all!
227 reviews3 followers
May 12, 2021
This is a quick, pithy read that will keep one in suspense throughout the entire story. I highly recommend it for a quiet evening of intensely action-filled, intricately mysterious enjoyment. I do not reiterate story lines to avoid ruining the surprise this excellent book gives to the readers. The main character, Robin, goes through multiple traumas with intriguing twists. I look forward to the next book in the series. I received an ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.
193 reviews3 followers
May 27, 2021
A great book highlighting the impact of repressed/unresolved trauma. The second in the fast-paced thriller series about detective Robin Matthews carries on from the previous novella. I could hardly put the book down as I followed the twisted plot, holding my breath to find out what might happen next; both for the case and Robin & Kyle’s relationship, before gasping at another of Walker’s cliff-hanger endings.


4,203 reviews22 followers
May 21, 2021
This is the second book of the thrilling Robin Matthews series. With action, suspense, and mystery all rolled up into this exciting story, this installment will keep you on the edge of your seat and once you start, you won't be able to put it down until you are finished. Still dealing with the trauma of being captured and tortured by The Butcher, Robin finds herself still haunted by nightmares and memories, testing her mental stability. Yet she is ever more determined to find the killer and bring him down. I was engrossed till the very end and I definitely did not see that twist coming in the end! What a thrilling addition to the series! I desperately need to read the next book to see what happens next! This series is a definite must-read!

I received a free copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review.
Profile Image for Scarolet Ellis.
7,445 reviews52 followers
May 22, 2021
One Step Ahead: a gripping psychological Thriller Novella (Robin Matthews Series Book 2) by Audrey Walker is an awesome read. This is book number two in this awesome series that I am so hooked on and can not wait to read the rest. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about thrillers.

I read a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.
Profile Image for Rosemary.
3,889 reviews71 followers
May 10, 2021
One Step Ahead - a review by Rosemary Kenny

Serial killer copycat 'The Executioner,' leaves a gruesome trail for Detective Robin Matthews to find - then attacks and leaves her unconscious, to be found by her partner Detective Kyle.
After her release from hospital, Robin, her bride-to-be sister Abby and their friends, are at Abby's hen party when another body is found outside.
Who is sent by the FBI to help with the case?
How does Kyle react? Whom does Robin kiss?
Undergoing retrograde hypnotherapy leaves Robin prey to frequent nightmare visions and flashbacks to her imprisonment and torture by The Butcher.

When things get twisted around by the perpetrator, Robin can't prove how evidence against her has been planted. Everyone seems to believe James's psychological profiling and the unthinkable happens...can Robin make things right with Kyle's help? Audrey Walker's One Step Ahead reveals all!
Profile Image for Lee Brothers.
1,381 reviews14 followers
May 24, 2021
This is one twisted story!! It is so frustrating to read and then to have it end in a cliffhanger. This author has a great imagination and she knows how to tell story. Please hurry up and write the next book!!
103 reviews2 followers
May 10, 2021
Robin Matthews' saga continues, and she is steadily slipping deeper into the nightmares she carries with her from when she was captured and tortured by The Butcher. The memories are crippling her, and she is suffering from headaches, black-outs, fainting spells and insomnia, but she cannot stop in her quest to find the killer of women who look like her. She feels responsible for every death, as the killer is using her past to set up the killings, on top of their resemblance to Robin. An FBI agent enters the picture, and Robin is drawn to him, at the expense of her relationship to her partner Kyle.
And what a twist at the end!!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,754 reviews13 followers
May 16, 2021
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This 2nd book in the series having Robin waking up in the hospital after her attack at the crane site. The case is still continuing with more bodies being found. The FBI has been called in to provide assistance. James, the FBI agent, has convinced Robin to be hypnotized to bring back memories from when she was kept in the Butcher's basement. As Robin tries to remember more, she is not successful. Each time she tries, she gets a major headache which saps her strength.

The Captain at the police department finally tells Robin she needs to take time to recover.

To discover whether Robin does what she is told and what happens as a result, then you need to read this book.
Profile Image for S McK.
293 reviews8 followers
May 9, 2021
The plot thickens...

Robin is so intent on finding the killer that she doesn't see what is happening, right in front of her. She can't sleep because of the nightmares and it's affecting her judgement - she is missing something, what or who is it?
Is she slowly losing her mind or are there forces working against her? Who will believe her and will it be in time, to stop her being lost forever?
Well written, good plot twists and leaves you wanting the next instalment!
I received a review copy of this book from the author and I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Tom Casey.
682 reviews1 follower
May 11, 2021
Once again, Audrey has given us a wonderful action-packed, easy to read, story.
We now know the characters and the plot is extremely well written and flowed effortlessly.
This book is gripping from the beginning and didn’t want to put it down.
I genuinely enjoy this author and especially this series.
It has to be on your “must-read” list.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
7,768 reviews50 followers
May 12, 2021
ONE STEP AHEAD
..Audrey Walker
Robin in a cat and mouse game, the nightmares at night and the killer’s game during the day. How can she remain sane and catch this killer.
The body count is unreal, is there an ending or not until she is caught in his web, the winner of his game.
First part we found out how determined he was now he has escalated
Good series, fast pace ,and how will Robin survive.
Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews

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