The Killer In Me

by Max Manning

Everything changes when you find out what you really are.

Liv Marsh is still grieving the death of her sister, killed in a hit-and-run. The driver confessed and was convicted, but he’s going to be released from prison any day now.

Soon he’ll walk free while her sister is dead.

Liv is struggling with that knowledge when suddenly her world turns upside down.

Liv volunteers to take part in a study of the brains of violent criminals, as a control sample of a ‘normal’ brain. That’s when she learns she has all the classic abnormalities of a high-level psychopath.

Suddenly Liv’s head is crowded with possibilities. Dark thoughts. Twisted opportunities. Maybe it’s time to embrace her secret self.

Maybe finding out she’s a psychopath is the push she needs to exact revenge . . .

What would you do?

319 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 6, 2022

About the author

Max Manning is a former national newspaper journalist. He started his career as a news reporter on regional newspapers before moving on to Fleet Street. There he worked for several titles, including Today and the Daily Express. He later joined the staff of the Daily Telegraph where he worked for sixteen years as a news sub-editor. Now You See is his debut crime novel.

Reviews

[Louise Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liv Marsh is still grieving the death of her sister, killed in a hit-and-run. The driver confessed and was convicted, but he's going to be released from prison any day now. Soon he'll walk free while her sister is dead. Liv is struggling with that knowledge when suddenly her world turns upside down.

This is a cleverly written psychological thriller. The pace is steady throughout. We get just the right amount of information on the characters who are well developed. The main character, Liv does have flaws which only makes her more believable. Every chapter seemed to end with a cliffhanger, piquing my curiosity, making me read on. I liked the authors writing style. This book was so easy to read. I can't wait to read more from this author.

I would like to thank #NetGalley #JoffBooks and the author #MaxManning for my ARC of #TheKillerInMe in exchange for an honest review.

[Gem ~ZeroShelfControl~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher, in return for an honest review. This review is based entirely on my own thoughts and feelings.

Overall rating : 3*
Writing skill : 4*
Plot: 4*
Characters: 2*
Pace:2*

The premise of this was super appealing to me, who doesn’t like the concept of finding out someone is a psychopath who was otherwise none the wiser. The writing was great but the characters fell flat for me. Another book where I didn’t like any of the characters. Why does everyone think easiest way out of a very simple scenario is to lie?! It just makes it worse and it infuriates me. However if you are a thriller lover who likes a twisty plot this could be the one for you!

[Kori Potenzone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Max Manning, you little rascal...

I am ashamed to admit that Manning is a "new to me" author. I cant possibly comprehend how I had not heard of this stand out author before. Thankfully, this is now tucked into my past and I have downloaded Don't Look Now as well as The Victim.

The Killer In Me

Lets first take a step back and admire the work of this fantastic illustrator. The cover is gripping and instantly captivated my attention. The title equally as engrossing.

Now, the content is a masterpiece all in its self. The Killer In Me, is a book that is nearly impossible to put down. I read this book in just a few hours. I will tell you, those few hours were spent on the edge of my seat with my fingers in my mouth being gnawed right down to the bone.

I also want to note that yes, this book is jam packed with twists BUT I would also like to add that they are actually believable. No one has been shot 6 times in the heart and walks away. No one "wakes from a dream" or any of the other hoopla these books sometimes put us through.

The characters are gripping and well developed. Everything felt incredibly real.

This book will put you on a wild ride and will not let you go the entire time.

Also, If you have kindle unlimited, a little birdie told me this one is going to be FREE to subscribers on December 6th!!!


Teaser :

Everything changes when you find out who you really are.

Over the past few months, I’ve lost a bit of weight without trying and suffered a few dizzy spells, both symptoms I put down to delayed shock and lingering grief. Losing your little sister is going to take its toll, mentally and physically.

The driver who killed her confessed and was convicted, but he’s going to be released from prison any day now.

Soon he’ll walk free but my teenage sister will still be dead.

I’m coming to grips with that knowledge when my world turns upside down.

I volunteer to take part in a study of the brains of violent criminals. I’ll be the control sample of a ‘normal’ brain. But then the doctor calls me into his office.

We need to discuss your scan . . .

I feel lightheaded as he breaks the news: I’m not normal. My brain shows all the classic abnormalities of a high-level psychopath.

Later as I take a sip of white wine in a city bar, my head is crowded with possibilities. Dark thoughts. Twisted opportunities.

Maybe it’s time to embrace my secret self.

Maybe finding out I’m a psychopath is the push I need to exact revenge . . .

What would you do?

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Killer in me by Max Manning was a brilliant psychological thriller, that was so intense I was gripped especially as it was fast paced and had a great story line. All the characters were excellent and this book had me guessing right till the end especially with all the twists and turns I could not keep up!!!!
Plus, the best bit was, Max Manning is a new author to me and this will not be the last book I will read by this author.

I highly recommend book I loved it.

[EILEEN · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE KILLER IN ME opens with a horrific tragedy. What follows next are the labyrinthine ramifications of that incident. New information sets in motion a dangerous unstoppable course of action. It's like standing by watching an inevitable train wreck. The wild, convoluted twists and turns will make you dizzy and riveted to every page right up to the explosive conclusion you'll never see coming.

[Els · Rating 5 out of 5]

The killer in me... I guess there is a killer hiding in everybody. The thing is how do you deal with it? I guess everyone has had murderous thoughts, but as long as you kill someone in your head, there is nothing wrong. It's when your brain really sends the sighs to act on those thought, we speak about a totally different kettle of fish.

When someone tells you you have the brain of a psychopath and you are struggling with what someone did to you, why should you not give it a go and act exactly the way you are?

Out with the loving and caring person. In with the murderous and vengeful person.

This book is dark, unsettling, and impossible to put down. After all, are you responsible for your actions when nature has made you the way you are??? Hasn't his become normal behavior then? Or does it not matter how your brain is shaped as long as nurture blocks nature from taking over?

Great book and I utterly enjoyed it, but it unnerved me at the same time. 5 stars

Thank you

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pros: This book had me absolutely entranced! When I wasn't reading, I was thinking about it. The minds of "psychopaths" (read the book to see why that's in quotes) fascinate me.

Is Liv truly psychopathic? I was amazed at how far she went to avenge her sister, but not necessarily for the obvious reasons that one would think while mourning.

The plot hooked me in from the start, the characters are intricate and easy to follow, and the emotions are spectacularly written.

Cons: I don't know much about GHB or the effects, let alone how comas work, but I did leave the book with questions. Are the outcomes that happened realistic? Not that it matters, but as a very science-brained person, I'm curious.

Conclusion: If psychopathy is your thing but deceptions are, too, you need to give this a read. I definitely didn't see that ending coming!

[scthoughts · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wasn't feeling it at all. Way too boring, inconsistent and hollow.


Thanks to NetGalley and Joffe Books for providing a copy for an honest review.

[Michelle Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read

This was a very interesting book. There were a few good twists. I was on the edge of my seat at a few points waiting to see what happened next. I highly recommend reading this book.

[Bibliophile Unicorn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, just wow! This book had me all over the place. I hated it, I loved it, I’d have thrown it away aceros the room but my kindle would have suffer!

And that ending! I mean Ahhhhhh!

[Erika_thebookbearie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story is about Liv who lost her sister in a hit-and-run. However the driver confessed and sentenced to jail. She felt that justice was not properly given over the death of her sister.
Few months later she volunteer to take part in a study of a brain of a psychopath for her feature article as a freelance writer. But she did not expect that this test will result to a discovery that her brain have a similar feature to a psychopath. This is when everything change.
Learning that the driver who killed her sister is about to get free. She started to embrace her newfound self and plot her revenge for her sister’s death.

The plot is good and had a crazy twist. I was fully engage with the Liv’s character and I felt frustrated on her actions. She became obsessed both with her sister and her killer’s sister. But I think that is what grieves can do to some. A lot of things happened in this book. It is well written and I agree with how some readers describe this as unputdownable. The ending is satisfying.

[Jenny M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks Jofie Books and Max Manning for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I really liked this book! The inner psych major in me loved the emphasis on psychopathy. The book contemplates the question of nurture vs nature. I found myself really enjoying the main character, despite her obvious flaws. This book is told from multiple perspectives, but the author does a really good job of ensuring that it is not all over the place. It is easy to follow. I was not able to put this down - every chapter ended with a bit of a cliffhanger/leaving you wanting more, so I kept on going!

I definitely recommend this book for fans of true crime TV shows or anyone who loves a good thriller. Looking forward to more from Max Manning.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a twisty book with a compelling plot. In researching an article about psychopath’s brains, Liv is told she bears the same markers. This influences her response to the unexpected death of her sister in a hit-and-run accident.

The book itself would benefit from a more watchful editing eye, but the concept of the story was an interesting one. What would YOU do if you were told you had all the makings of a psychopath? Would it become a license to react freely and without guilt because it’s in your nature? Or would it be a caution to proceed carefully?

The final twists of the story left me with unanswered questions, but it was definitely a book that stayed with me! Well worth reading if you like psychological thrillers!

[Robert Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow - what a great book! I absolutely loved it. The author @MaxManning is immediately added to my favourite author’s list.

The plot evolved at a very smooth and satisfying rate and this contributed great to my enjoyment. The characters in the book were neatly crafted and the range of information about them was very well balanced. I found myself being reluctant to stop reading at various points as I became more and more interested in finding out what happens!

I must also comment on the author’s writing style. The clarity expressed in every word made it such an easy read.

Hats off to the author for a very enjoyable read. Absolutely loved it!

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one hot, shocking and riveting read. Undoubtedly one of the best books I have read this year. I had no choice but to devour it in one sitting! I can't wait to read more from this author.

[Kaelyn Bohstedt · Rating 4 out of 5]

The twists and turns! Couldn't put it down!

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

A mourning sister struck by grief finds out something even more drastic - her brain scan shows she has the brain of a sociopath. Told through the lens of Liv (the mourning sister), Sharpe (the one who “done” it), and Earle, the detective who knew something was missing all along, takes us on an interesting journey through a budding psychopath’s life.

While we knew something was up with Sharpe’s confession, I was pleasantly surprised to find out what was actually his reasoning. Liv is a fun character to hate - and seeing her justification for each of her actions and her new lease on life is worth the read. Earl? Well, he was fine, pushed the plot forward from the police angle and was the reason anyone stayed involved on the hit & run in the first place.


Matt - poor sweet Matt. Unfortunately he got caught in the crossfire, and the irony is that he was the only one who knew the truth about Liv. Liv’s truth makes for an interesting legal case, and I would’ve liked to see how that played out (unless there’s a part 2 on the way?)


This was an interesting read but I feel it ended a bit too abruptly. Would’ve liked to see more of Liv post surgery, but overall an enjoyable read.

[valerie gosling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

A real page turner keeping you guessing until the last page.marvellous characters first-class plot developing slowly drawing you in more and more.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

It has been a little while since I read one of Max's books. I read the synopsis of 'The Killer In Me' and it certainly sounded intriguing. I couldn't wait to dive in and so without further ado, I grabbed a cup of tea, grabbed my Kindle and settled down for an afternoon of reading. I did enjoy reading 'The Killer In Me' but more about that in a bit.

I have to say that 'The Killer In Me' is one of those books that once up on a time would have provoked a lively debate chez Book Geek Towers. My late Dad was a former psychiatric nurse and so psychopathy was a hot topic so to speak. I have to be honest and say that it took me a little while to get into 'The Killer In Me'. I think part of the problem was the fact that I didn't take to any of the characters and so found it hard to care about them or what happened to them. After a while I got into the story and from then on I found it rather hard to put the book down. I developed my own theories as to what was going to happen and so I had to keep reading to see if I was on the right track or whether or not I had taken a wrong turning and was heading in the opposite direction. The pages turned increasingly quickly as I made my way through the story. All too quickly I reached the end of 'The Killer In Me'. I found 'The Killer In Me' to be a gripping read, which certainly kept me guessing.

'The Killer In Me' is well written. Max certainly knows how to grab the reader's attention and draw them into what proves to be one hell of a story. For me, this was more of a slow burn type of story- as the story continues, the pace of the story gathers momentum leading to a tense and dramatic conclusion. Reading 'The Killer in Me' felt like being an at times scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with lots of twists and turns along the way. I love the way in which Max makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story and at the heart of the action.

In short and overall I did enjoy reading 'The Killer In Me'. I will certainly be reading more of Max's work in the future. The score ont he Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 4* out of 5*.

[Billie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything changes when you find out who you really are.
Over the past few months, I’ve lost a bit of weight without trying and suffered a few dizzy spells, both symptoms I put down to delayed shock and lingering grief. Losing your little sister is going to take its toll, mentally and physically.
The driver who killed her confessed and was convicted, but he’s going to be released from prison any day now.
Soon he’ll walk free but my teenage sister will still be dead.
I’m coming to grips with that knowledge when my world turns upside down.
I volunteer to take part in a study of the brains of violent criminals. I’ll be the control sample of a ‘normal’ brain. But then the doctor calls me into his office.
We need to discuss your scan . . .
I feel lightheaded as he breaks the news: I’m not normal. My brain shows all the classic features of a high-level psychopath.
Later as I take a sip of white wine in a city bar, my head is crowded with possibilities. Dark thoughts. Twisted opportunities.
Maybe it’s time to embrace my secret self.
Maybe finding out I’m a psychopath is the push I need to exact revenge . . .
What would you do?

I could not put this one down!!
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.

I was provided an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher. This is my own honest voluntary review.

[Carrie Shields · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝐈 𝐝𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐫. 𝐈 𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐈 𝐝𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐫. 𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐝𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐦𝐞, 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐥𝐲 𝐟𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥, 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐫𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐰 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐨𝐮𝐭.

Why isn't this book getting more buzz? It's brilliant! Freelance writer Liv Miller is grieving the death of her sister, who was killed in a hit-and-run in the prologue. The driver ultimately came forward, confessed, and served his prison sentence, but now he's due to be released. Liv can't fathom this man walking around free while her sister is dead.

When the opportunity presents itself for Liv to take part in a study of the brains of psychopaths for an article she's writing, she has a brain scan so she can compare her normal, healthy brain to that of a violent psychopath...and that's when everything changes. When her scan results show that she has a psychopathic brain, Liv is initially stunned but then hatches a sinister plot to fully embrace her newfound destiny so she can exact vengeance for her sister's death.

Reader, trust me when I say this book goes off the rails in all of the best ways. If I say any more, I'm afraid I will drop a spoiler. Just know that if you like to be COMPLETELY taken off guard and left slack-jawed, this is the book for you.

Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe Books for this early copy. THE KILLER IN ME publishes December 6, 2022.

[Kerry https://likeherdingcatsblog.wordpress.com Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Liv finds out her brain has the same indicators you would find in a psychopath, she is distraught. But then, her sister’s killer is released from prison and Liv allows dark thoughts to enter her mind. Should she let the inevitable take over?
The Killer In Me begs some really thought provoking questions about whether killers are made or are biologically imprinted to follow that path and I loved the psychology/biology behind this as much as the plot itself.
The most exciting thing about The Killer in Me is the believability of the story arc. It’s intense and exciting and superbly twisty but plausible. It’s so cleverly mapped out and ideas and events are woven so intricately throughout a well paced plot. The tension and suspense builds and leads to an explosive ending that I never saw coming.
This is my first novel by Max Manning but it certainly won’t be my last. I loved the different perspective and premise of this thriller and I couldn’t put it down.
Highly recommended.

[Courtney (caffeinereadrepeat) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plundering Penguins! 😳😯🤯😳🤯

Okay hold onto your sleigh rides and your long underwear darlings! This was one majorly wicked, extremely crazy thriller that I salivated for like I never knew! If you love reading about a psychopath from their perspective, you WANT to get your mitts on this one m'dears! Right from the beginning you're absolutely knocked off your rocking chair as Manning hits you one over another with the insanity and craziness that ensues with our main character, Liv. The thrills never cease as one layer upon another is pealed away as Manning takes you on a free ride of shockers, twists & ultimately one smack in the face ending. Put your guilty indulgences beside you while reading this gem because you'll need something to soothe the burn that is this whiplash of a plot!

Thank you to NetGalley & Joffe Books for this ARC.
Release Date: Out Now!

𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭: 4.5 / 5 Christmas Trees 🎄

[Sharon Rimmelzwaan · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first book from Max Manning and not my last! The Killer In Me is a psychological thriller that I couldn't put down and I read it in one sitting.

A stunning read with characters that aren't the most reliable. It's a tense and exhilarating story as Liv Marsh, the main character kept me on the edge of my seat wondering if she could be a psychopath as she digs into her sisters death.

Told from multiple perspectives so the reader gets a good overall and balanced view of whags going on throughout. The characters are developed well enough to make you want to know what will happen to them.

The twists and turns just keep coming as the story unfolds. Every chapter made me want more until I finally reached the conclusion that I couldn't have guessed! An absolute corker of a book. If you are a psychological thriller lover, please try this. It may surprise you as it did me.

[Janaya Kabamba · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the premise but wasn't immediately sucked into the story for some reason. It felt like I was just waiting for something tk happen since it'd been set up as the main character embracing her inner psychopath.......... but...... it does actually get there if you're more patient than I am lol. It actually feels like you're watching it unfold j real time and seeing the deterioration and inner conflict which was really fascinating. Its more than just a psychological thriller, this ine os actually really cleverly written and deep and really does bring you back to the nature vs nurture and whether you can choose you're path or whether it's set for you in birth. Such a good book!

[K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liv is writing an article on psychopath brains, and she has the idea to show her normal one as a comparison.
She is still grieving the loss of her little sister in a hit and run accident, when she learns the driver is being released after only six months in jail.
Everything turns upside down, she discovers her brain scan shows she has psychopath tendencies and she starts to think like one.
Earl Smart is told that after 20 years in the police he is being let go, he is to spend his last month on admin duties, but he has other ideas, that hit and run still bothers him.
Lots of twists and turns make this a really good read with an unexpected ending.

[Jaime · Rating 1 out of 5]

This ARC was provided by the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.

The premise of this book was intriguing, a woman finds out she has the brain of a psychopath and it causes her life to go off the rails. Unfortunately the reality was this book just was not very interesting for me. I found myself struggling through it and by the time it got halfway through there was so many twists it was just ridiculous. I’m all for suspended disbelief, but there was just too much. The characters weren’t believable and the everything that happens just came off too false for me.

[Charlotte Franklin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a face paced thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. OMG the twist will make you dizzy. The ending was such a shocker I wanted to throw my phone, I never saw it coming, I was side swiped. There were times I felt sorry for Liv and times I wanted to punch her in the face! The ending left room for a sequel I would definitely read it!
How have I never read a book by this author? I have to check out other books by him immediately! Thank you Net Galley and Joffe Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Cheryl · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved the premise for this one and was really excited to read it, but unfortunately, it just didn't deliver. I had to suspend my disbelief so many times that it just wasn't enjoyable any more, and I really disliked the main character, Liv. I can see that lots of other people really enjoyed this one, so don't let me review put you off if this sounds like your kind of thing, but it wasn't for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for granting me a free ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Max Manning created a compelling story psychological thrillers that will stay with readers long after they put the book away. The characters are well developed, and reader will wonder if Liv Marsh is a psychopath as she researches her sister's death.

Book lovers of psychological thrillers will want to put this at the top of there to be read file.

Thank you to Netgalley for advance copy of Max Manning The Killer In Me.