How to Get Away with Murder - by Rebecca Philipson (Hardcover)

About the Book

""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"-- Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

"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.

Review Quotes

"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

"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

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.