How to Get Away with Murder by Rebecca Philipson Narrator: Michael Geary, Tamsin Kennard
Published by Macmillan Audio on February 24, 2026
Source: NetGalley
Genres: Mystery, Thriller
Length: 11 hrs 37 mins
Pages: 368
Format: Audiobook
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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 cases 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.
It’s funny how often I want to start my comments with “I don’t typically read [fill-in-the blank] books.” In this case, it’s fictional serial killer books, but I’ve just read two in a row, the other being My Sister, the Serial Killer, so maybe I’m wrong. Anyway, Detective Inspector Samantha Hansen has returned from medical leave because to help investigate the murder of a teenage girl. A book, How to Get Away with Murder, has been left at the crime scene. The book is essentially a “how-to” guide for aspiring murderers written by Denver Brady, who claims to be a successful, currently active, serial killer, but it’s unclear if this crime was committed by Denver or by a copycat.
Chapters alternate between Sam’s investigation and the handbook. The book within a book works well, especially on audio. The two narrators are fabulous. Geary brings both charm and menace to Brady’s chapters, while Kennard captures Sam’s intelligence, vulnerability, and determination. Sam is a good character. She had a breakdown at work, which led to her time away, and maybe she’s not quite up to a high profile murder investigation yet, but she is determined to find this killer.
The pacing is good and the author keeps the suspense tight. There are pieces that strain credulity, but the characters and momentum make up for it.
A couple of complaints. The end got a little too meta for me, parts didn’t feel in line with the tone of the rest of the book. Second, I listened to the audio book, which was definitely the right choice, but the chapters from How to Get Away with Murder knew I was listening to the audiobook, which didn’t make sense to me. Sam was reading the print edition and from the way it was laid out, I though we were reading along with her. Also, if I remember right, the website was only selling How to Get Away with Murder as an ebook or in print.
About Rebecca Philipson
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.
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