How To Get Away With Murder
- Judith D Collins
- Apr 17
- 6 min read
Narrators: Michael Geary; Tamsin Kennard
Macmillan Audio
ISBN: 9781250434586
Publisher: Minotaur Books
Publication Date: 02/24/2026
Format: Audio
My Rating: 5 Stars (ALC)
"If you picked up this book because you truly want to get away with murder, you will not be disappointed. Simply turn the page and we'll get started."
This fresh debut thriller finds a Scotland Yard detective trying to find the author of a self-help book that promises quite literally to teach readers how to get away with murder, which seems to have inspired London's newest murderer.
Detective Inspector Samantha Hansen has been on leave for six months, recovering from a breakdown she suffered at work, but when a fourteen-year-old girl is murdered in a local park, Sam jumps at the chance to return to the job and prove that she's still got what it takes to be the Yard's most successful homicide detective. One of the case's only leads is a copy of a self-help book found in the victim's backpack called How To Get Away With Murder by a man named Denver Brady.
Brady claims to be the most successful serial killer of our time, which is why no one's ever heard of him. Chapter by chapter, he details his methodology and his past victims, and as Sam's investigation progresses and the details of the book go viral, Sam begins to suspect that there’s more to the author than what he’s revealed. But in order to find a killer and get justice for young Charlotte, Sam must learn to trust her instincts once again, before Denver Brady--or someone else--really does get away with murder.
A Macmillan Audio production from Minotaur Books.
My Review
"Twisted, satirical, shocking, and deeply unsettling!"
Top Audiobooks of 2026!
Rebecca Philipson’s smashing debut, HOW TO GET AWAY WITH MURDER, is a clever, macabre, and whip-smart psychological thriller featuring a calculated, unreliable protagonist navigating a high-stakes, claustrophobic mystery. This satirical and twisted narrative, complete with a unique "book-within-a-book," is highly recommended for its intense atmosphere and explosive, memorable conclusion.
Highlights...
~The Return to Duty:
DI Samantha Hansen is on a phased return to Scotland Yard after a six-month leave following a breakdown and sexual harassment by a colleague.
~The Crime:
A 14-year-old girl, Charlotte Mathers, is found murdered in a London park.
~The Clue:
Inside the victim's backpack is a book titled How to Get Away with Murder by an author named Denver Brady, who claims to be the most successful uncaught serial killer in history.
Key Plot Points...
~Dual Narrative:
The story alternates between Sam’s investigation and excerpts from Denver Brady’s "how-to" manual, which describes his past murders and methodology in clinical, often darkly humorous detail.
~The Investigation:
As Sam investigates, she discovers that Charlotte's murder mirrors a crime described in Denver's book. The case gains massive public attention after the book goes viral.
~Psychological Tension:
Sam is depicted as an unreliable narrator due to her PTSD and trauma. She becomes increasingly obsessed with finding the elusive Denver Brady, suspecting he might be closer than he appears.
My thoughts...
"A twisted, satirical masterpiece!"
Rebecca Philipson delivers an absolute powerhouse debut! By cleverly blending a gritty police procedural with a 'how-to' manual written by a self-proclaimed serial killer, Philipson creates a meticulously constructed and electric cat-and-mouse game.
DI Samantha Hansen is a nuanced, relatable heroine whose own trauma adds a deep layer of tension to an already volatile investigation. With dark humor, clever breadcrumbs, and a conclusion that is nothing short of explosive, this is one of the most innovative and talked-about thrillers of the year!
The dual narrative— alternating between a gritty investigation and a snarky 'how-to' guide for killers—is absolutely compulsive reading. Watching Hansen navigate this claustrophobic case while battling her own demons is electrifying.
And that ending? Completely unsettling and brilliant. If you like your thrillers with a side of dark humor and a calculating protagonist, pick this up immediately!
The audiobook....
The audiobook is electrifying with all the WOW factors! I highly recommend the audiobook as the best way to experience this dynamic story due to its dual-narrator format, which perfectly complements the "book-within-a-book" structure.
Narration Highlights...
~Immersive Dual POV:
Tamsin Kennard voices the present-day investigation from DI Samantha Hansen's perspective, capturing her intelligence and vulnerability.
Michael Geary voices the chapters of the "serial killer manual," bringing a chilling mix of charm and menace to Denver Brady's snarky instructions.
~Tone: The narrators' British accents were praised for perfectly matching the dark humor and London backdrop of the thriller. These two talented narrators bring the story to life in a way that feels both immersive and engaging. Their unique styles enhance the experience. I highly recommend this audiobook for anyone seeking an entertaining listen. Undoubtedly one of the top audiobooks of 2026!
The Verdict: 5/5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"A high-concept triumph that is equal parts dark comedy and psychological nightmare."
Best For:
Fans of unreliable narrators and readers who enjoyed "My Sister, the Serial Killer" or "How to Kill Your Family." Also, for fans of "The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair."
Takeaway:
Its chilling exploration of moral ambiguity and the blurred lines between justice and crime.
Special thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for sharing an advanced listening copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars +
Pub Date: Feb 24, 2026
Praise
"Philipson manages to produce a startling series of twists and turns in the case while keeping her wildly improbable premise fresh and, it’s to be hoped, wholly original. Caution: Even more than most crime novels, this one really does provide helpful ideas about how to get away with murder."
–Kirkus Reviews (starred)
"Philipson debuts with an impressive serial killer thriller that puts a fresh spin on tired genre tropes... [Her] nuanced portrait of her wounded heroine and savvy book-within-a-book narrative structure make this stand out. A sequel would be welcome."
–Publisher’s Weekly
"Philipson, deconstructing yet delighting in the conventions of serial killer lit, morphs a whodunnit into a feminist revenge drama. Her remarkable debut takes an old song and makes it better."
―The Times
"Rebecca Philipson has turned the serial killer novel on its head. Clever and all too credible."
―Val McDermid
“A twisty, propulsive and memorable debut that richly rewards true-crime aficionados”
―Catherine Ryan Howard
“Smart, funny and a delight to read. How to Get Away with Murder has a wickedly clever premise, skilfully weaving together a murder investigation and a serial killer manual in this unputdownable story.”
―Mary Watson
“An absolute powerhouse of a debut. As well as the fast-paced and thrilling plot, the devastating effects of violence and trauma are empathetically explored. The powerful descriptions of Sam’s reactions suggest the thorough research of a writer who cares about her characters, and her readers. How to Get Away with Murder is a whip-smart, insightful thriller with a finale which leaves the reader reeling. And desperate to read more!”
― Frances Crawford
"How To Get Away With Murder is the best thriller I have ever read. Gripping, clever, and powerful, Philipson has crafted a novel which had me hooked from the very first page, all the way through to the last nail-biting line. This is an author who does not waste a single scene or word, and knows exactly how to keep a reader guessing until the final moment. That this novel is a debut is absolutely astounding, and I cannot wait to see what Philipson does next."
― Eirinie Lapidaki
"Original and gripping, with a lead character you'll be rooting for all the way."
--Claire McGowan
"'From page one I was OBSESSED with this book.... Rebecca Philipson's debut is a masterpiece in tension... highly recommend."
-- Zoë Rankin
About the Author
REBECCA PHILIPSON grew up in a mining town in County Durham, where she still lives. Educated in a small convent, she deferred her university degree to set up her own business at 21. Rebecca finished her BA in English Literature at Northumbria University, graduating with First Class Honours, and completed a PGCE in English at Durham University whilst on maternity leave. After returning to her business, Rebecca also lectured part-time in Literature and Language in Newcastle. Having sold her business in 2020, Rebecca is now devoted to her writing career. She graduated from the University of East Anglia (UEA) Masters Program in 2024 and won a scholarship to Liverpool University where she will be reading for a PhD in Creative Writing.
