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A psychopathic killer is stalking the women of Sydney . . .

Federal Agent Clayton Munro, a criminal profiler with the Australian Federal Police (AFP), has been called upon to assist in hunting down a vicious murderer who is intent upon carving up his victims while they’re still alive. Guilt-stricken over his wife’s suicide, Clayton’s forced to set aside his personal issues in order to focus on the case.

Detective Ellie Cooper is also no stranger to heartache. Pregnant and abandoned at the altar by a fiancé intent on pursuing a career with the AFP, her opinion of the elite body of officers is anything but favorable.
Angered when her boss orders her to partner with the Fed, she’s determined not to cut him any slack.

But women are dying on the streets of western Sydney and the pressure is mounting to find the person responsible.

Will Clayton and Ellie be able to put aside their animosity and work together to catch a killer before it’s too late? And what about the special fascination the killer seems to have with Ellie . . .

324 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2014

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Chris Taylor

56 books91 followers

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5 stars
510 (26%)
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478 (25%)
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189 (9%)
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88 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews
Profile Image for Brenda.
4,435 reviews2,846 followers
November 9, 2016
Detective Ellie Cooper was relatively new to the area of Sydney where her base was – she’d transferred so her colleagues wouldn’t know about the past she had no intention of discussing. When profiler, Federal Agent Clayton Munro of the AFP was asked to assist in the shocking case they were pursuing in Sydney, he cast aside his ongoing grief to lend a hand. But Ellie’s aversion to Feds was high – her partnering of Clayton in the case had her angry; she was determined to keep her distance.

The killer was murdering women of Sydney – they would disappear, presumably abducted, then their bodies would be discovered some days or weeks later, dismembered and brutally killed. The pressure on the team was high, but evidence was sparse. It seemed the crazed psychopath was meticulous – how many times had he murdered before? Would Ellie and Clayton along with the team of dedicated detectives succeed before it was too late for another young woman?

The Profiler is the first in the Munro Family series by Aussie author Chris Taylor, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The pace is brisk, the tension high and the suspense is thick throughout the pages; I did find the sex a little heavy and overly descriptive though (which is of course my opinion) Set in Sydney with fleeting glimpses of Canberra, the authenticity was great. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Darcia Helle.
Author 28 books720 followers
July 22, 2014
First, be aware that this book is romantic suspense, heavy on the romance and light on the mystery/suspense. I expected more of a thriller, so this aspect took me by surprise and might be a letdown for readers seeking fast-paced suspense.

Overall, I thought this was a good opening novel for the series. The author handles characterization well, allowing us to get to know Ellie and Clayton. The story's focus is really on these two people, the sexual tension between them, and their struggle to let go of the heartache of their pasts. The murder mystery, while interesting, feels secondary to their personal stories and budding romance.

This series features a family of people involved in law enforcement, rather than a single main character, giving the author plenty of room to create. I'm looking forward to finding out where book #2 takes us.
Profile Image for Uwe.
619 reviews
July 22, 2014
Oh man, what a story .....I really really thought of just stop reading and forget about the ending. The whole thing is so ridiciolous that I couldn't believe it and read and read and read ........it got only worse.
A detective who lost her son working in sidney, invesstigating a murder case, serial murder and on the other hand is investigating about some stolen chest freezers ? A Profiler from the FBI who helps out his friend the police chief for month ? Just like that ? No way and than not one PROFIL the whole time ?
And then her bevaviour, the drama and the love ..........wow wow wow .........no way, sorry.
Please do not continue to write something like that, do some research, learn something about police work, FBI and serial killers and than .....maybe .....
Profile Image for Cat.
120 reviews37 followers
November 24, 2014
Oh My God.

I was so looking forward to this, thinking it would be rather like a Val Mcdermid novel but it actually turned into a soft core erotica novel between two people who happen to work in law enforcement with a few crime scenes thrown in.

If you're looking for a good mystery or crime book, do look again,
Profile Image for Dave.
624 reviews8 followers
July 27, 2014
I was disappointed with this book and stopped reading it about two-thirds of the way into it. My main objection is that it is really a romance, not much of a mystery, and I do not really enjoy romances. For example, the main character are experienced, skilled cops who are both highly professional and well-regarded by their colleagues, but both are single parents with a lot of emotional baggage. OK, we get that the author is going to have them spar for a while, then get together later in the book. However, it strained my imagination past the breaking point that these two would suffer physical stimulation to the point of incapacity whenever they were in each other's presence! Perhaps when we were thirteen, we might behave this way, but I cannot accept that otherwise sensible, mature professionals would so easily become babbling idiots. As for the mystery element, it was somewhat interesting as they attempted to solve a series of grisly murders, but I guess I will never know who the killer was, because I will not be finishing this book.
Profile Image for Evelyn Doyle.
44 reviews1 follower
August 10, 2014
The good cover art was the only alluring characteristic to this book. (So I can at least commend the marketing aspect.) But the writing made the story unreadable, for me — chiefly in the protagonist. She behaved and thought like an adolescent, her immaturity completely incompatible and/or inappropriate to her age and environment. With many books to read, and not much time to read them, I couldn't justify spending any more on this book, despite the intrigue of the case the childish character is investigating.
Profile Image for Kristin.
1,222 reviews
June 7, 2014

The Profiler by Chris Taylor


Years ago, I was an avid mystery novel fan. I loved the heart pounding, pulse racing thrill of the good guys chasing the bad guy or guys. I simply could not get enough of it. Then I discovered romance and then romantic suspense. Romantic suspense is definitely my favorite genre now. So when this author asked if our blog would read one of her books, I thought okay, I'll do it. This debut novel, I think it's her debut novel, blew me away.

Ellie Cooper is a detective in Sydney, Australia. Her precinct is chasing down a serial killer of women who is trying to make his own real life dolls. I know, gross. Soon, the Feds are called in. Well, one Fed really. He's asked by the captain who's an old mentor of his. He has a record of great profiling with an even better solve rate. Ellie has a tragic past with a Fed. Her ex left her pregnant and stranded at the altar but that's not the end of Ellie's tragedy. Her son was killed at the age of two by a hit and run. Not only is she dealing with a killer at large but it's the anniversary of her son's death. So, all things considered, the last thing she needs is a good looking Fed coming in and taking over her case. Even if he does look like Brad Pitt.

Clayton Munro, the Fed, has his own demons he battles. He lost a child that was born premature and after the birth if their second child, his wife committed suicide. He was very much in love with her and feels as though he failed her. His life is pretty full between working and raising his daughter, Olivia. He does his old mentor a favor by looking at the case of this maniac who's on the loose. When he meets Ellie, he's shocked at his response to her. He hasn't even looked at a woman since his wife's death three years before but he's looking now.

This is a pretty emotional story about two very damaged souls finding there way to each other. There's a lot of guilt from them both because of their losses. My complaint is that there wasn't enough romance for me. This is classified a s romantic suspense but I'd say it was a mystery/ suspense with a dash of romance thrown in. The romance itself felt rushed to me. I liked the characters a lot and the mystery was fantastic. The end scene was chilling as one of my most frightening irrational fears is abandoned amusement parks. (Shudder) This is a great mystery book and if you love mysteries, then go buy this as soon as you can.

My favorite quote of the book was this one the hero said about his deceased wife.

"You've never known what it is like to love someone so much that you want to breathe in the very air they breathe out, just so you can keep a part of them inside of you."


Reviewed by Naughty Book Snitch Kay.

This book was given in exchange for an honest review by the author.
June 26, 2014
Reviewed for Read Your Writes Book Reviews
by Gemini

The Profiler was a very good book. It kept my attention throughout. There were a lot of unexpected twists and turns that drove the story along. Although there was a romantic element to the book, it definitely played a backseat to the mystery and suspense. Oh, and there was a surprising amount of murder, pain and suffering that made the book very serious.

This story is based in Sydney, Australia. The Profiler is about the search for a sadistic serial killer that has been mutilating young women. When the police department gets desperate, they call in Australian Federal Police profiler Clayton Munro. He gets partnered with lead Police Detective Ellie Cooper. Both Clayton and Ellie have suffered major losses in their lives and have yet to heal from those losses. More importantly, they have not given themselves an opportunity to be happy again. The fact that a murder investigation brings them together creates an interesting dynamic between them. The suspense regarding their relationship is just as compelling as the suspense regarding the murderer that they are trying to find.

As more information about the killer’s past is revealed, you understand what drove him to his sickness. The suspense regarding his identity is drawn out throughout most of the book. When everything is revealed, you will be shocked. In addition, the relationship that develops between Clayton and Ellie will be just as intriguing. They have a very therapeutic effect on each other that goes beyond a simple romance. There is so much more to be said about this book but it would ruin it for you. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

Source: Author
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Profile Image for Andrew Mckay.
3 reviews
December 4, 2021
This is, put simply, the worst book I have ever read. The dialogue could be bettered by a 9 year old, the plot shows all the research skills of a wooden doll and the characterisation of the main characters, but especially the female lead, could reverse a century or more of feminist progress.

The main characters - professional police people - are literally unable to do their job through the fog that hits their brains every time they see each other. The cliches stack up faster than cabs at a rank and the reactions of the characters, both clearly suffering from PTSD, are startlingly childlike in their tantrumesque glory.

What's worse is that even if you take this as a romance novel, rather than a crime novel, it's really not a good one of those either. 'her clit hummed in anticipation' - Really? REALLY?!? I've read more erotic scenes in recipe books than the eventual coming together that graces this pile of trash about 2/3 of the way in.

If I ever read another word written by this author I hope someone will behead me on top of a roller-coaster.
Profile Image for Steve.
28 reviews11 followers
April 10, 2015
The description of this book looked good. Two dedicated policemen tracking down a creepy serial killer while not fully trusting each other. Turns out that this mess is actually a really stupid romance novel pretending to be a thriller. The two main characters spend most of the time blushing and getting aroused even as they smell decaying body parts and severed heads. The word "blush" must have been used fifty times in this idiotic excuse for a book. At least it was a free book. I would hate to think that I actually paid money for this nonsense.
Profile Image for Patti.
90 reviews
September 19, 2014
I really enjoyed this book but could have done without the few chapters with the detailed sex. Would have rated 5 stars without it
Profile Image for Erin.
Author 18 books19 followers
October 19, 2014
The Profiler is an excellent introduction to the Munro Series, which I now plan to read.
Detective Ellie Cooper has been assigned a case involving a psychopathic killer who is stalking young women and doing horrible things to them. Ellie who is still dealing with loss and heartache of her own is truly tested by what she must confront during this investigation. It doesn't help when she is partnered with Federal Agent, Clayton Munro, a handsome profiler who makes her face her demons and sends her mind and body into a spin. Annoyed she is determined not to cut him any slack and maintain a strictly working relationship. Ha, as if that's going to work. His every woman's dream and genuinely seems to care about her.

Federal Agent Clayton Munro, a criminal profiler, also has issues to deal with. He's spent the last three years repressing his emotions, avoiding relationships and working his butt off. Now he's been asked to assist on a baffling case that's testing him and those around him. He's also been partners with a sexy little dynamo who he can't get out of his mind. She calls to him on all levels and that hasn't happened in a long time.

I loved how the author weaved this tale of intrigue while bringing two very special characters together.
Profile Image for Jenny.
1,943 reviews62 followers
April 15, 2017
Profiler, the first book I read of Chris Taylor. I fell in love with Clayton and Ellie at the beginning of the book. the-profiler-ebookClayton Munro is a criminal profiler with the Australian Federate Police. Clayton is a widow with a four-year-old daughter and the way Chris Taylor describe the way he let go of the death of his first wife and finds love again with Ellie. Ellie is a policewoman in the New South Wales police force who is also trying to forget the death of her child. The story continues to entwine these two characters lives so they can find love and closure.The readers of Profile will go on a rollercoaster ride with the twist and turns of the investigation into the death of young girls and the way Chris Taylor intertwine Ellie’s and Clayton’s romance into the plot.

Readers will learn about the role of profiling and how it entwines into police investigations. Also, will learn about different ways people handle grieve and how it affects their lives and of others. I was also impressed with the characters aboriginal heritage. How Chris twist romance and suspense throughout the book. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Australian romantic suspense with a twist.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Australian Romantic Suspense.

Profile Image for Dianne.
296 reviews
November 2, 2015
This book read like a cross between a script for a bad Aussie cop drama and and a wannabe take-off of an American thriller novel like Silence of the Lambs. The Americanisms became really irritating - the cops stopping by for a bagel and coffee breakfast (what, no lox?), throwing things in the trunk (no boot?), even measurements in yards and miles! What gives? I thought maybe this was an American author who was just setting the book in Sydney, but no, the author is born in NSW. So I return to my original hybrid description of this book.

The two main characters are highly trained professional police officers who act like pubescent teens right down to the blushes and tantrums. I got whiplash from the mood swings - especially comically in the sex scenes where the passion was turned on and off like a tap (sorry, that would read "facet" in this book). It felt like the author has watched one too many TV shows and decided to write it all down. Full of inconsistencies and almost too painful to endure to the end. Cannot believe this is the first of a series. I'm stopping at 1.
Profile Image for Sara Bell.
2 reviews1 follower
June 16, 2014
As Chris is family, I'd been hearing bits and pieces about this 'draft' series for many years. I was so excited when The Profiler came to life in the published version, so that I could finally get my hands on a copy. Would it disappoint or meet my expectations? It most certainly met my expectations and more. The Profiler had me captivated from the very first page and was so intense at one point that I had to skip pages, then go back after I'd read ahead. My heart raced and I couldn't cope with the suspense! For a writer to be able to affect the reader this way is truly a talent. Congratulations Chris! I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
4 reviews
August 3, 2014
I stumbled upon this book as it was featured on iBooks and was free, but I am glad I did. As a fan of the mystery/crime and romance genre, this was a great fit. I thoroughly enjoyed it and found it hard to put down. The characterisation of Ellie and Clayton were spot on and made you want to keep reading to find out what happens between them. With the suspense in there too it made this a great read. I was glad to find it was the first in a series and couldn't wait to read the next ones. Highly recommend this author and having the books set in Australia is an added bonus.
Profile Image for Samantha.
209 reviews9 followers
August 23, 2014
There is a psychopath on the loose. Killing women with a saw while they are alive. Can Ellie and the team find him before there are more victims. Ellie moved stations so people didn't know her past and would stop looking at her with pity in their eyes. She didn't expect to find love in the midst of trying to track down a murderer, but love sneaks up on you when you least expect it. But will it be all ripped away from her before she gets a chance to appreciate it. Great storyline great characters.
Profile Image for Kathy.
277 reviews
July 22, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. Although the book was predictable, the relationship between Clayton and Ellie wasn't. They have both suffered major losses in their lives and had a hard time living in the present. Both seemed to just be going through the motions and never really thought things would change. As the book progresses, both Ellie and Clayton slowly begin to really take a chance with each other. Good book.
142 reviews5 followers
August 11, 2014
This was truly an amazing book.

This was truly an amazing book.

I couldn't get through this book fast enough, the text was just riveting. The last book I just finished was by Stuart Woods and I must say the profiler was just as good, I am so impressed by the authors storyline I was hooked by the third page !
You won't regret buying this book or anything else by Chris Taylor. Got to go now so I can start his next Book.
10 reviews
September 7, 2014
Good mystery with Romantic Angle

Immediately you can tell it was a series because of the mention of family members. The mystery of who done it.. did not really click into place until near the end of the book. The romantic attraction between main investigators moved a little too fast for me. I prefer a little longer old fashion courtship before the characters jump into bed.
That said, I enjoyed the book and would read the sequels.
Profile Image for Beth.
142 reviews5 followers
May 15, 2015
Beyond terrible. This is a romance trying to disguise itself as a mystery. And a bad romance at that. Every cliche, every horrible bit of dialogue that wasn't good the 1st 1,000,000 times it was used and the requisite sex scene that might turn you off of sex forever.

This is a perfect example of something that only gets published because it's an ebook.

Free? They should have to pay me for the time wasted reading it.
Profile Image for Monica Guidroz.
65 reviews1 follower
July 7, 2014
****I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review****

When I was asked to review this book, I didn't know what to expect because I haven't read anything by this author yet. I must say I was pleasantly surprised! The characters were believable and the story was well written. I am lookin forward to reading more of Chris's stories and the Munroe family series.
Profile Image for Lyn Owen.
25 reviews3 followers
September 26, 2014
The Profiler

WOW! Top notch writing. I almost passed this one up because of the setting. Am I ever happy I decided to give it a try instead!!! I can't wait to download the rest of the series! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!! Caution: many unfamiliar Aussie phrases. keep that dictionary finger poised.
Profile Image for Jessi.
10 reviews
September 24, 2014
Read this

such a great mystery novel, loved the story line and how it was written. I lost track of time a lot while reading this cause I didn't want to put it down
128 reviews1 follower
September 29, 2014
The perfect profiler

this is the type of . mystery I like. it has the mystery and a profiler that is human as well as a really good story
7 reviews
October 13, 2014
MADE myself read to the end.
I kept thinking " GET ON WITH IT! " So we could FINALLY know "WHO DONE IT" !
Profile Image for Jade.
60 reviews
July 22, 2014
Loved this! Started on book 2 and book 3 is waiting for me! A great read.
August 25, 2014
Don't get me wrong, I did enjoy reading this book, although it was a bit tedious in parts and there are some inconsistencies that are irksome. The protagonist, Ellie, is not very likable, and although she certainly has reason to be bitter and sad, how Clayton could possibly like her is not at all portrayed in this book. Truthfully, if I were a citizen, I would be very concerned at the ineptitude of these policemen. After hearing the wife of the killer tacitly agree to killing her, how in the world was she not charged? If you are looking for a cab driver that overcomes his victims by making them sit in the front seat of the cab with him, why in the world would a detective do exactly that? How was she able to talk to the killer when at one point she has a gag in her mouth that chokes her, and then later the gag is back again? And what kind of father leaves his daughter for months at a time? So, although the writing is well done, the plot is poorly planned. Enjoy this book as a nice beach read, not any kind of literary achievement.
1 review
January 4, 2015
Found by accident, but it was a lucky accident.

I was looking for real profilers, John Douglas, Roy Hazelwood and Mark Olshaker. When I read this was written by someone with experience as a criminal lawyer I thought I'd give it a shot.
It's a little too neatly wrapped up - but I will say that although it seemed things were all going to fall into place, the way they fell into place was surprising. For that reason I will most likely read more books from this author.
I liked the different perspective from Australia, I liked that character development was not just shown but seemed to flow with the story.
It's a good serial killer book with some romance and sex thrown in. If that's the kind of book you like definitely give this one a read. I wasn't looking for a romance/sex book, but I do think the romance was well done. To be honest I quickly skimmed the sex scene as I was more interning catching the killer, but what parts I did read seemed pretty well written also, so if you look forward to those scenes you shouldn't be disappointed there either.
Profile Image for Jacqui Nelson.
Author 17 books192 followers
August 16, 2014
What happens when criminal profiler Clayton Munro (a man who can't love - after the death of his wife) and detective Ellie Cooper (a woman who won't let herself love - after the betrayal of her fiance) are forced to work together on a dangerous case in Sydney, Australia? The sparks fly! If you enjoy stories full of suspense and romance that pull you in so deeply you feel as if you're riding shotgun beside a pair of police partners, this story's for you.
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