PROFILING A KILLER is the first book in the new Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) series for Harlequin Intrigue. It sets the bar high as a serial killer targets and murders a high profile medical examiner’s sister. Hang on as the action takes off as Dr. Aubrey Flood and Special Agent Nicholas James race against time to track down a killer who has set his sights on the beautiful medical examiner herself.    

Special Agent and profiler Nicholas James has worked with medical examiner Aubrey Flood in the past to put away an infamous killer.  The two are well acquainted with each other, but this time around, the crime is more personal. Aubrey’s sister is viciously murdered and the killer leaves a map to the body for Aubrey. Aubrey is devastated and Nicholas vows to find the killer. The two embark on a dangerous game of cat and mouse with a methodical killer who is skilled with a scalpel. The killer is using the MOs of previous serial killers. What is the motivation and what link exists between the victims? As the answers to these questions are revealed, Nicholas and Aubrey find themselves in a fight for their lives, barely escaping death as the elusive killer continues to pursue Aubrey.

PROFILING A KILLER is a great start to a new series. There is plenty of action and suspense leading up to finding out the killer’s identity. There are several intense and gory situations where Aubrey needs to use her skills and intelligence to survive. Severn does not hold back on the details and readers get a glimpse of the killer’s vicious nature, making this more of a police procedural in the Harlequin Intrigue line. Fans of CSI or Criminal Minds will enjoy this series as the characters race against time to reveal the killer’s identity and stop him from destroying his ultimate target, Aubrey Flood. A little light on relationship development, but strong in the crime details, this is an entertaining and thrilling ride.