Model Detective

A True Story of Heels, Handcuffs and Homicides

MODEL DETECTIVE takes listeners where true crime has never gone before—inside the heart, mind, and soul of a Chicago homicide detective whose grit and instincts prove that a woman's place is in the homicide division.

Sergeant Michele Wood, a 25-year veteran of the Chicago Police Department, has spent nearly two decades in the Detective Division. With hundreds of arrests, and an extraordinary record of solving murders, she has led homicide teams while also appearing as a legal expert on ABC's 20/20 and other national true crime series.

In MODEL DETECTIVE, Wood takes listeners through complex murder cases—revealing how she interprets evidence and uses her perspective as a woman to succeed in a male-dominated world. Wood's skills attest to her high success rate and stellar reputation on the force and explains why she's Chicago's (and probably the country's) only detective who previously worked as a flight attendant, moonlighted as a fitness-magazine model, and continues her on-air fame as a crime TV expert.

From the story of her Chicago upbringing to the extraordinary perils of policing in Chicago, MODEL DETECTIVE is the raw inspiring, tale of courage, resilience and determination in America's most violent city.

©2026 Michele Wood (P)2026 WildBlue Press

Extraordinary Woman ♥️

I had the privilege of reading this book written by a colleague I deeply admire, and I can honestly say it left a lasting impact on me. As a police officer, she already embodies strength, integrity, and resilience but seeing her voice come through in these pages added an entirely new level of respect.Her writing is authentic, insightful, and incredibly powerful. She doesn’t just tell a story she brings you into her world, allowing you to feel the challenges, the growth, and the purpose behind it all. It’s rare to come across someone who can serve their community with such dedication and also express their experiences with such clarity and heart.This book is more than just a read it’s an inspiration. It reminded me of the strength it takes to do this job and the importance of perseverance, compassion, and staying true to who you are. I am beyond proud to know her and to witness the impact she continues to make both in uniform and through her words. This is a must-read for anyone looking for motivation, perspective, and a powerful story told by an extraordinary woman.

How to become a badass female police detective!

Wow! If I were thinking of becoming a police officer in Chicago after reading this, I'd sign up! Michelle clearly loved her job dealing with the worst of humanity. Next book, please!

Some heroes wear lipstick and leopard print

I’m not saving lives or arresting murderers, but as a woman in Corporate America, a male dominated world, this resonated with me so much. Michele is an amazing storyteller. This book of her life as a woman in the Chicago Police had my attention. The seriousness of fighting crime in Chicago with the humor you need to get through your days of fighting some of the worst criminals in the city was so well-told. I hope this isn’t her only book. I’m already excited to read the next one.