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Detective Nikki Gill #1
Stolen Souls
The two little boys clutched each other's hands, shivering. The wind whistled through the cracks in the window frames of the children's home they lived in. Outside their room, they could hear footsteps coming closer. 'I don't want to go,' the small boy whimpered to his friend, 'don't let them take me.'
On a crisp winter evening, Detective Nikki Gill is taking a peaceful stroll through New College Oxford grounds before starting her new job at Kidlington Criminal Investigations unit the following day. But when she hears a blood-curdling scream coming from one of the buildings, she discovers the lifeless body of Professor Brian Allerton in his office and his wife kneeling by his side.
With her first case already underway before she's officially begun her new role, Nikki is feeling the pressure. Recently divorced, Nikki's return to her hometown of Oxford after years away has also brought the memory of her traumatic childhood to the surface… the tragic loss of her brother Tommy, who spent time in a children's home before his fatal accident.
As Nikki and her new team start to investigate, they dig deeper into Brian's life and uncover an unsettling connection to Dunston Hill, the very same children's home where Nikki's brother lived. But just when Nikki thinks she has made a breakthrough in the case, the body of another professor is found.
With the investigation becoming more personal by the minute, Nikki must confront painful memories and old wounds. Can she overcome her past to solve the murder and bring justice to the victims before the killer strikes again
An unputdownable crime thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat from the very first page. With suspenseful twists and turns, Stolen Souls is the first in the gripping Detective Nikki Gill series from the bestselling author of the Arla Baker series. Perfect for fans of Angela Marsons, Simon McCleave and Robert Dugoni.
On a crisp winter evening, Detective Nikki Gill is taking a peaceful stroll through New College Oxford grounds before starting her new job at Kidlington Criminal Investigations unit the following day. But when she hears a blood-curdling scream coming from one of the buildings, she discovers the lifeless body of Professor Brian Allerton in his office and his wife kneeling by his side.
With her first case already underway before she's officially begun her new role, Nikki is feeling the pressure. Recently divorced, Nikki's return to her hometown of Oxford after years away has also brought the memory of her traumatic childhood to the surface… the tragic loss of her brother Tommy, who spent time in a children's home before his fatal accident.
As Nikki and her new team start to investigate, they dig deeper into Brian's life and uncover an unsettling connection to Dunston Hill, the very same children's home where Nikki's brother lived. But just when Nikki thinks she has made a breakthrough in the case, the body of another professor is found.
With the investigation becoming more personal by the minute, Nikki must confront painful memories and old wounds. Can she overcome her past to solve the murder and bring justice to the victims before the killer strikes again
An unputdownable crime thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat from the very first page. With suspenseful twists and turns, Stolen Souls is the first in the gripping Detective Nikki Gill series from the bestselling author of the Arla Baker series. Perfect for fans of Angela Marsons, Simon McCleave and Robert Dugoni.
355 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2023
324 people are currently reading
181 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
August 29, 2023
Stolen Souls by M.L. Rose is the 1st in the Detective Nikki Gill series, and with an eye-catching cover, plus an enticing plot, it sounded like my sort of read. But although the plot was good, the execution was very poor. I was surprised the publisher let this one through even though I know (I hope) the published edition will be fixed. The editing in my copy is woeful - for example - "the paramedics loaded the black body bag into the back of the ambulance, complete with body, and drove away; then Detective Gill, her offsider and the doctor went into the room where the body was, as they searched for clues, turning the body over..." There were more...
Nikki's younger brother Tommy was in a boys care home in Dunston Hill when she was still a child, and she remembered him and the trauma that surrounded their lives back then. Now it looked like the murder of the Professor in the Oxford College was connected to that time at Dunston Hill, and when another Professor was discovered, murdered in the same way as the first, Nikki and her team knew there were others in the way of the killer. But could they discover who it was, and why he was brutally killing his victims?
With child abuse the focus of the book's beginning, I felt I'd be bogged down. But it wasn't "in your face" as such, and the latter part of the book centred mostly around the crimes. I'm not sure at this stage whether I'll look at the second in the series, but discounting the editing, it was a good police procedural.
With thanks to Storm Publishing via NetGalley for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Nikki's younger brother Tommy was in a boys care home in Dunston Hill when she was still a child, and she remembered him and the trauma that surrounded their lives back then. Now it looked like the murder of the Professor in the Oxford College was connected to that time at Dunston Hill, and when another Professor was discovered, murdered in the same way as the first, Nikki and her team knew there were others in the way of the killer. But could they discover who it was, and why he was brutally killing his victims?
With child abuse the focus of the book's beginning, I felt I'd be bogged down. But it wasn't "in your face" as such, and the latter part of the book centred mostly around the crimes. I'm not sure at this stage whether I'll look at the second in the series, but discounting the editing, it was a good police procedural.
With thanks to Storm Publishing via NetGalley for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
August 2, 2023
Firstly I would like to thank netgalley and storm publishing and the author M.L.Rose for a early copy of her book.
This is my first read from this author, first book in a series,really enjoyed this read. Detective Nikki Gill on a murder case a body found of Brian Allerton followed by another victim. Who behind these murders...this book goes back to the past of a children orphanage where the treatment of the children where terrible and Nikki past comes to light.whats the connection? A great crime read looking forward to book two in this series..
This book will be reviewed on goodreads and Amazon uk.
This is my first read from this author, first book in a series,really enjoyed this read. Detective Nikki Gill on a murder case a body found of Brian Allerton followed by another victim. Who behind these murders...this book goes back to the past of a children orphanage where the treatment of the children where terrible and Nikki past comes to light.whats the connection? A great crime read looking forward to book two in this series..
This book will be reviewed on goodreads and Amazon uk.
November 22, 2023
Many thanks to both Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of Stolen Souls, by M.L. Rose. Expected publication September 1, 2023.
Trigger Warning: The book dives right into the action, with a description of two little boys in a care home, where the littlest one is about to be dragged away by one of the monsters running the home.
Now we meet Nikki Gill in the present, just starting her new job at Oxford's Kidlington Criminal Investigations unit, which is in the town where she grew up. Then it moves around in time between the Dunston Hill Care Home, Nikki's own childhood, and the case she is trying to solve, where a college professor has been murdered.
As other reviewers have stated, this book needs a lot of editing before it goes to print. However, I feel the series absolutely has promise. I liked Stolen Souls but didn't love it.
Trigger Warning: The book dives right into the action, with a description of two little boys in a care home, where the littlest one is about to be dragged away by one of the monsters running the home.
Now we meet Nikki Gill in the present, just starting her new job at Oxford's Kidlington Criminal Investigations unit, which is in the town where she grew up. Then it moves around in time between the Dunston Hill Care Home, Nikki's own childhood, and the case she is trying to solve, where a college professor has been murdered.
As other reviewers have stated, this book needs a lot of editing before it goes to print. However, I feel the series absolutely has promise. I liked Stolen Souls but didn't love it.
July 27, 2023
A quick read is the first in a new series by M.L. Rose and it's called Stolen Souls. I received it from Storm Publishing via Netgalley and it'll be out on the 1st of September.
The premise is rather interesting. It starts with two boys living in a children's home where unspeakable things happen. It really sets the scene for the rest of the book! Then, we go ahead in time, 30 years to be exact. A professor is murdered and Detective Nikki Gill is to investigate this case. When another professor is killed, a link with the children's home is likely. This hits home for Nikki as her brother Thomas used to live there. How can she stop this maniac and stay sane at the same time?
The book starts out great. You get the feel of the story and it's described rather well. There is constant action in the book which is good because it's easier to read on. This is because the dialogue lacks a bit in parts of the book. Also the characters are rather haphazardly put together. The jumps in time are not always correct as are some sentences.
Although there are some points of improvements, hopefully an editor found all irregularities before the publishing date, I would read a second installment in the series.
3/5⭐
The premise is rather interesting. It starts with two boys living in a children's home where unspeakable things happen. It really sets the scene for the rest of the book! Then, we go ahead in time, 30 years to be exact. A professor is murdered and Detective Nikki Gill is to investigate this case. When another professor is killed, a link with the children's home is likely. This hits home for Nikki as her brother Thomas used to live there. How can she stop this maniac and stay sane at the same time?
The book starts out great. You get the feel of the story and it's described rather well. There is constant action in the book which is good because it's easier to read on. This is because the dialogue lacks a bit in parts of the book. Also the characters are rather haphazardly put together. The jumps in time are not always correct as are some sentences.
Although there are some points of improvements, hopefully an editor found all irregularities before the publishing date, I would read a second installment in the series.
3/5⭐
July 20, 2023
Book One and this is a new author for me, Detective Inspector Nikki Gill joins the Oxford Thames Valley Police.
The sins of the past will not remain buried.
From a few chapters in this book I knew it would be gripping from the author, it's a definite unputdownable right through.
Professor Brian Allerton is found by his wife Arabella at the college, Nikki not suppose to start till the next day and called 999 to Kidlington CID HQ a suspected homicide, he has been stabbed to death and along with her new colleague DI Monty Sen they undig a few hidden secrets about the man. And we also learn a few about Nikki too as the book takes us back in time.
Stolen Souls is proper mindblowing and is definitely a book you just keep page turning.
I really am looking forward to more in this series.
The sins of the past will not remain buried.
From a few chapters in this book I knew it would be gripping from the author, it's a definite unputdownable right through.
Professor Brian Allerton is found by his wife Arabella at the college, Nikki not suppose to start till the next day and called 999 to Kidlington CID HQ a suspected homicide, he has been stabbed to death and along with her new colleague DI Monty Sen they undig a few hidden secrets about the man. And we also learn a few about Nikki too as the book takes us back in time.
Stolen Souls is proper mindblowing and is definitely a book you just keep page turning.
I really am looking forward to more in this series.
July 27, 2023
This is a good start to a new series starring Detective Nikki Gill. She’s returned to Oxford after years away and is immediately embroiled in a murder case of a professor found dead in his office. With no time to adjust to her new team and location, she starts digging in to determine who would want to take this man’s life. But before long, another professor is found dead at the school. Are these murders related to the institution? She receives plenty of pushback when questioning the officials so it wouldn‘t come as a surprise. But it turns out that the men have a far more sinister connection, one that’s personal to Nikki. Will she be able to put her feelings aside and concentrate on the investigation or will her tragic past push her over the edge?
I’m a fan of this author, but this book has the same issues as his other series in the lack of editing. At this point, after so many of his books have been published, I’m not sure how there can still be so many typos and grammatical issues missed. Especially when the author appears to know so much about Oxford and its colleges, you would think he would be a stickler about this! If a random reader notices this the very first time they read the book, then how can a professional proofreader not see them? Or if you don’t have one, then at least your close friends and family who would read an early draft? Someone should catch them by this point. Anyway, the story itself is a great one but you’re taken out of it when you notice these issues.
This book is also like his other new Rohan Roy series, as they both involve child predators and sexual abuse. The author writes about that topic quite a bit. It’s tough reading, but the topic needs recognition to bring awareness about these terrible abusers. I truly applaud the author for that. I can’t wait to read what he comes up with next!
I’m a fan of this author, but this book has the same issues as his other series in the lack of editing. At this point, after so many of his books have been published, I’m not sure how there can still be so many typos and grammatical issues missed. Especially when the author appears to know so much about Oxford and its colleges, you would think he would be a stickler about this! If a random reader notices this the very first time they read the book, then how can a professional proofreader not see them? Or if you don’t have one, then at least your close friends and family who would read an early draft? Someone should catch them by this point. Anyway, the story itself is a great one but you’re taken out of it when you notice these issues.
This book is also like his other new Rohan Roy series, as they both involve child predators and sexual abuse. The author writes about that topic quite a bit. It’s tough reading, but the topic needs recognition to bring awareness about these terrible abusers. I truly applaud the author for that. I can’t wait to read what he comes up with next!
July 26, 2023
DI Nikki Gill has recently moved to Oxford, working for Thames Valley Police. Previously at the Met, she has been sent to new pastures despite having a stellar record. This is due to a tragic shooting that left her traumatised. The powers that be thought the move would be for the best.
The book opens with action from the start and it is a fast paced crime procedure whodunnit. The first in a brand new series, the collection gets off to a flying start, with a good premise.
However, clunky dialogue, with conversations such as “can I ask when this happened?” “ I cannot go into details of the case, but may I please ask where were you between the hours of four and eight yesterday evening?” And “He conveniently forgot to mention this, didn’t he?” Says Nikki. Monty shrugged. “I wasn’t there, guv”. Nikki, “”I know. I wonder why he lied to us?”.
Then there are the haphazard timelines, if Nikki was 8 years old 30 years ago, she couldn’t possibly have been 18 years old 16 years ago.
The scenes that jump all over the place and back again need serious editing.
The names were a laugh though, Sue Pollard, Terence Conran, Len Deighton to name but a few!
All in all, a quick easy read, but not without lots of errors, nothing a good editing wouldn’t sort out.
Thank you NetGalley.
The book opens with action from the start and it is a fast paced crime procedure whodunnit. The first in a brand new series, the collection gets off to a flying start, with a good premise.
However, clunky dialogue, with conversations such as “can I ask when this happened?” “ I cannot go into details of the case, but may I please ask where were you between the hours of four and eight yesterday evening?” And “He conveniently forgot to mention this, didn’t he?” Says Nikki. Monty shrugged. “I wasn’t there, guv”. Nikki, “”I know. I wonder why he lied to us?”.
Then there are the haphazard timelines, if Nikki was 8 years old 30 years ago, she couldn’t possibly have been 18 years old 16 years ago.
The scenes that jump all over the place and back again need serious editing.
The names were a laugh though, Sue Pollard, Terence Conran, Len Deighton to name but a few!
All in all, a quick easy read, but not without lots of errors, nothing a good editing wouldn’t sort out.
Thank you NetGalley.
September 9, 2023
Detective Nikki Hill book 1.
On a crisp winter evening, Detective Nikki Gill is taking a peaceful stroll through New College Oxford grounds before starting her new job at Kidlington Criminal Investigations unit the following day. But when she hears a blood-curdling scream coming from one of the buildings, she discovers the lifeless body of Professor Brian Allerton in his office and his wife kneeling by his side.
Getting thrown in the deep end Nikki and her new team try to find who could possibly want to brutally murder a well respected professor.
Then she discovers a link to the very children's home her brother lived in when she was a child. With her own demons to overcome can Nikki put her personal feelings aside to find the killer?
This is a sometimes harrowing book to read. My heart was breaking reading it. I flew through it in two sittings as I didn't want to put it down.
I look forward to reading more from this series.
On a crisp winter evening, Detective Nikki Gill is taking a peaceful stroll through New College Oxford grounds before starting her new job at Kidlington Criminal Investigations unit the following day. But when she hears a blood-curdling scream coming from one of the buildings, she discovers the lifeless body of Professor Brian Allerton in his office and his wife kneeling by his side.
Getting thrown in the deep end Nikki and her new team try to find who could possibly want to brutally murder a well respected professor.
Then she discovers a link to the very children's home her brother lived in when she was a child. With her own demons to overcome can Nikki put her personal feelings aside to find the killer?
This is a sometimes harrowing book to read. My heart was breaking reading it. I flew through it in two sittings as I didn't want to put it down.
I look forward to reading more from this series.
July 19, 2023
I am a big fan of this Author, and this did not disappoint. a new series with main character Detective Nikki Gill. who has returned to her hometown and take a new police post as a detective to try and face her past and feel closer to her mum? Nikki lost her older brother. When she was young but the night before she starts work, she hears a scream when patrolling New Collage Oxford and finds Brian Allerton in his office in a pool of blood. And then there a second body .Nikki and her team have their hands full as both have very powerful friends. what is the connection and who wanted them dead? i so recommend all these authors books.
Merged review:
I am a big fan of this Author, and this did not disappoint. a new series with main character Detective Nikki Gill. who has returned to her hometown and take a new police post as a detective to try and face her past and feel closer to her mum? Nikki lost her older brother. When she was young but the night before she starts work, she hears a scream when patrolling New Collage Oxford and finds Brian Allerton in his office in a pool of blood. And then there a second body .Nikki and her team have their hands full as both have very powerful friends. what is the connection and who wanted them dead? I so recommend all these authors books.
Merged review:
I am a big fan of this Author, and this did not disappoint. a new series with main character Detective Nikki Gill. who has returned to her hometown and take a new police post as a detective to try and face her past and feel closer to her mum? Nikki lost her older brother. When she was young but the night before she starts work, she hears a scream when patrolling New Collage Oxford and finds Brian Allerton in his office in a pool of blood. And then there a second body .Nikki and her team have their hands full as both have very powerful friends. what is the connection and who wanted them dead? I so recommend all these authors books.
September 4, 2023
Intriguing right from the start.
Detective Nikki is out of her comfort zone working in a smaller town but the murder of a college professor has her feeling at home very fast in her new job. The detective has her own demons to deal with - and needs to catch the killer who has links to events in her childhood.
An enjoyable book. Beautiful descriptions of Oxford. Looking forward to another Detective Nikki murder mystery.
Detective Nikki is out of her comfort zone working in a smaller town but the murder of a college professor has her feeling at home very fast in her new job. The detective has her own demons to deal with - and needs to catch the killer who has links to events in her childhood.
An enjoyable book. Beautiful descriptions of Oxford. Looking forward to another Detective Nikki murder mystery.
August 22, 2023
Stolen Souls is a brilliantly written twisty crime thriller, introducing DI Nikki Gill, newly transferred from the Met to Oxford. She is plunged into her first murder case on the evening before she is due to start, when a professor at one of the colleges is brutally murdered.
After another victim is killed in the same terrible way, Nikki and her team work hard to make a connection between the two murders. But as they peel the layers of these two mens' lives away, some unexpected developments occur.
Although narrated in present time, there are occasional flashbacks to Nikki’s childhood, coping with a difficult and sometimes traumatic home environment. There is also a separate thread in this story that tells of two boys - Paul and Tommy - living in a care home on the edge of Oxford, where child abuse is rife.
This is a big read – 60 plus chapters – but in no way does the pace flag at any time. In fact, I was glued to this from the very first page and on occasions found it difficult to put down. At times you wonder how all this ties together, although early on in the story, it’s clear where Tommy fits in. All in all, it’s a read that is full of surprises and unexpected developments.
A great new crime series – I look forward to Nikki’s next case.
Highly recommended.
I would like to thank Netgalley, Storm Publishing and M R Rose for an ARC of Stolen Souls in exchange for an honest review.
After another victim is killed in the same terrible way, Nikki and her team work hard to make a connection between the two murders. But as they peel the layers of these two mens' lives away, some unexpected developments occur.
Although narrated in present time, there are occasional flashbacks to Nikki’s childhood, coping with a difficult and sometimes traumatic home environment. There is also a separate thread in this story that tells of two boys - Paul and Tommy - living in a care home on the edge of Oxford, where child abuse is rife.
This is a big read – 60 plus chapters – but in no way does the pace flag at any time. In fact, I was glued to this from the very first page and on occasions found it difficult to put down. At times you wonder how all this ties together, although early on in the story, it’s clear where Tommy fits in. All in all, it’s a read that is full of surprises and unexpected developments.
A great new crime series – I look forward to Nikki’s next case.
Highly recommended.
I would like to thank Netgalley, Storm Publishing and M R Rose for an ARC of Stolen Souls in exchange for an honest review.
September 17, 2023
A good start for a new chrime thriller series. It kept me reading and surprising. Nikki is a well developed and clever woman, there's an interesting cast of characters.
The descriptions of Oxford are fascinating
Can't wait to read the next one
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
The descriptions of Oxford are fascinating
Can't wait to read the next one
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
August 26, 2023
** I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review **
I will forever be a sucker for the split timelines that eventually converge and all becomes known. This book does a great job of not giving too much away in either timeline until the reader needs to know. However, some of the jumps to the past seem to be in an odd order and feel a little off. They don't necessarily detract from the story but they do seem to bounce around for no reason.
I'm American and as such unfamiliar with the British police system. It would have been nice for a quick explanation of all the abbreviations used. Or if not written in a story, then perhaps a small glossary at the end of the story. There were so many different abbreviations used that I spent a quarter of my time just looking up what each meant. Not the biggest problem but still annoying when you have to quit reading to look up something else.
The two main characters were easy enough to follow. I liked Nikki as a female lead. She's not overly cocky or too tough. Her emotional side shows through occasionally and I always find that makes a stronger female character. She embodies both a woman making it in a male field while not completely being overcome with machoism to survive. Women and men are different and I love when they let their strengths play out. The attraction between Nikki and Monty was touched on and then dropped for most of the book. When it suddenly comes back it feels a little misplaced. Either have a light touch of romance the whole time and work it in, or leave it alone. Attractive members of the opposite sex can interact with no attraction or sexual tension at play.
This is my first time reading anything but this author and I was very drawn into the book and it kept me on my toes. Each time I would think I'd figure it out a new wrench would be tossed in and would make me think I was on the wrong track. Without spoilers, there was one so-called wrench that I thought was a bit over the top and actually added nothing to the story but so be it, still made for great action! This is a decent start to the series and I could definitely see myself picking up more if I come across them in the future.
** True Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5
Happy Reading!!
I will forever be a sucker for the split timelines that eventually converge and all becomes known. This book does a great job of not giving too much away in either timeline until the reader needs to know. However, some of the jumps to the past seem to be in an odd order and feel a little off. They don't necessarily detract from the story but they do seem to bounce around for no reason.
I'm American and as such unfamiliar with the British police system. It would have been nice for a quick explanation of all the abbreviations used. Or if not written in a story, then perhaps a small glossary at the end of the story. There were so many different abbreviations used that I spent a quarter of my time just looking up what each meant. Not the biggest problem but still annoying when you have to quit reading to look up something else.
The two main characters were easy enough to follow. I liked Nikki as a female lead. She's not overly cocky or too tough. Her emotional side shows through occasionally and I always find that makes a stronger female character. She embodies both a woman making it in a male field while not completely being overcome with machoism to survive. Women and men are different and I love when they let their strengths play out. The attraction between Nikki and Monty was touched on and then dropped for most of the book. When it suddenly comes back it feels a little misplaced. Either have a light touch of romance the whole time and work it in, or leave it alone. Attractive members of the opposite sex can interact with no attraction or sexual tension at play.
This is my first time reading anything but this author and I was very drawn into the book and it kept me on my toes. Each time I would think I'd figure it out a new wrench would be tossed in and would make me think I was on the wrong track. Without spoilers, there was one so-called wrench that I thought was a bit over the top and actually added nothing to the story but so be it, still made for great action! This is a decent start to the series and I could definitely see myself picking up more if I come across them in the future.
** True Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5
Happy Reading!!
October 3, 2023
Stolen Souls by M.L. Rose is the first book in the new Detective Nikki Gill series and what a brilliant first book within this series was. It had a great story line with good twists and turns and will keep you guessing who the killer is.
On one crisp winter evening, Detective Nikki Gill was taking a peaceful stroll through New College Oxford grounds before starting her new job at Kidlington Criminal Investigations unit the following day.
But, she hears a blood-curdling scream coming from one of the buildings, and starts to run to where the scream was coming from. She discovers the lifeless body of Professor Brian Allerton in his office and his wife kneeling by his side. She needs to call it in, this will be a great way to meet her new colleagues. Especially as his will be her first case already underway before she's officially begun her new role,
Nikki is feeling the pressure. With her recently divorced, Nikki's return to her hometown of Oxford after years away has also brought back her memories of her traumatic childhood to the surface, and especially the tragic loss of her brother Tommy, who spent time in a children's home before his fatal accident.
But, She needs to stay strong and bury these memories but its going to be hard, so very hard!
As Nikki and her new team start to investigate, they dig deeper into Brian's life and uncover an unsettling connection to Dunston Hill, the very same children's home this is where Nikki's brother lived. But just when Nikki thinks she has made a breakthrough in the case, the body of another professor is found.
With the investigation becoming more personal by the minute, Nikki must confront painful memories and old wounds.
Can she overcome her past to solve the murder and bring justice to the victims before the killer strikes again?
This book was excellent......and I Love the new character Detective Nikki Gill looking forward reading more about her.
I highly recommend this book........5 solid stars!
Big thank you to netgalley and storm publishing and the author M.L.Rose for my early copy of her book.
On one crisp winter evening, Detective Nikki Gill was taking a peaceful stroll through New College Oxford grounds before starting her new job at Kidlington Criminal Investigations unit the following day.
But, she hears a blood-curdling scream coming from one of the buildings, and starts to run to where the scream was coming from. She discovers the lifeless body of Professor Brian Allerton in his office and his wife kneeling by his side. She needs to call it in, this will be a great way to meet her new colleagues. Especially as his will be her first case already underway before she's officially begun her new role,
Nikki is feeling the pressure. With her recently divorced, Nikki's return to her hometown of Oxford after years away has also brought back her memories of her traumatic childhood to the surface, and especially the tragic loss of her brother Tommy, who spent time in a children's home before his fatal accident.
But, She needs to stay strong and bury these memories but its going to be hard, so very hard!
As Nikki and her new team start to investigate, they dig deeper into Brian's life and uncover an unsettling connection to Dunston Hill, the very same children's home this is where Nikki's brother lived. But just when Nikki thinks she has made a breakthrough in the case, the body of another professor is found.
With the investigation becoming more personal by the minute, Nikki must confront painful memories and old wounds.
Can she overcome her past to solve the murder and bring justice to the victims before the killer strikes again?
This book was excellent......and I Love the new character Detective Nikki Gill looking forward reading more about her.
I highly recommend this book........5 solid stars!
Big thank you to netgalley and storm publishing and the author M.L.Rose for my early copy of her book.
August 28, 2023
I would like to thank Netgalley and Storm Publishing for an advance copy of Stolen Souls, the first novel to feature DI Nikki Gill of Thames Valley Police.
Nikki hasn’t even started her new job in Oxford when she gets her first case. She in college grounds when she hears a scream. She finds the body of Professor Brian Allerton in his rooms with his wife kneeling beside him. The case gets personal when Nikki finds a link to Dunston Hill care home, where her brother, Tommy, lived before he died in tragic circumstances, but that calculation may be wrong when another professor is murdered.
I enjoyed Stolen Souls, which is an interesting read with a couple of twists. The premise isn’t particularly original, and may be triggering for some readers, but the author puts his own stamp on proceedings and has produced a very readable novel.
The novel is mostly told from Nikki’s point of view, but there are flashbacks to Tommy’s experiences thirty years ago and Nikki’s life twenty years ago. This builds a bigger picture and fleshes out the background to the novel, giving the reader a better idea of the motive and perpetrator than the detectives had. It isn’t pleasant reading and I wonder if it is essential to the storytelling. Mostly, however, the novel is a standard police procedural with interviews and a few forensic clues leading to the eventual breakthrough, although there are some deviations and a blind alley or two to keep it interesting. I didn’t find the novel particularly exciting or compelling until the final few chapters where Nikki mixes it up with the murderer.
I like Nikki Gill, who is a dedicated, competent detective. Needless to say she has a complicated backstory, that I didn’t really bother with as it’s just background noise to make her more interesting and she doesn’t need it. The quality of her work should be enough.
Stolen Souls is a good read that I can recommend.
Nikki hasn’t even started her new job in Oxford when she gets her first case. She in college grounds when she hears a scream. She finds the body of Professor Brian Allerton in his rooms with his wife kneeling beside him. The case gets personal when Nikki finds a link to Dunston Hill care home, where her brother, Tommy, lived before he died in tragic circumstances, but that calculation may be wrong when another professor is murdered.
I enjoyed Stolen Souls, which is an interesting read with a couple of twists. The premise isn’t particularly original, and may be triggering for some readers, but the author puts his own stamp on proceedings and has produced a very readable novel.
The novel is mostly told from Nikki’s point of view, but there are flashbacks to Tommy’s experiences thirty years ago and Nikki’s life twenty years ago. This builds a bigger picture and fleshes out the background to the novel, giving the reader a better idea of the motive and perpetrator than the detectives had. It isn’t pleasant reading and I wonder if it is essential to the storytelling. Mostly, however, the novel is a standard police procedural with interviews and a few forensic clues leading to the eventual breakthrough, although there are some deviations and a blind alley or two to keep it interesting. I didn’t find the novel particularly exciting or compelling until the final few chapters where Nikki mixes it up with the murderer.
I like Nikki Gill, who is a dedicated, competent detective. Needless to say she has a complicated backstory, that I didn’t really bother with as it’s just background noise to make her more interesting and she doesn’t need it. The quality of her work should be enough.
Stolen Souls is a good read that I can recommend.
April 24, 2024
This is the first book in a new series featuring Detective Nikki Gill. The book opens with two young boys being cruelly abused in a care home with the older one doing his best to protect the younger boy. We then meet Nikki who has just arrived in an Oxford from the Met to take up a new post. Nikki has returned to her hometown to feel close to her mother and face the demons from her past. She is walking through the college grounds and hears a scream. On investigating she discovers the body of a college lecturer with his wife by his side. When another victim is killed in the same way Nikki and her team have to try to find the connection between them but little did she realise what she would uncover, Nikki had had a traumatic childhood and her brother Tommy was taken away from her mum into a children’s care home before he died. When she discovers that there is a link between the dead men and the same children’s home she knows that this is going to be a difficult and emotional case. The story is in two timelines, present day and twenty years previously and to events that took place in the children’s home. This book was a really gripping and harrowing read but written very sensitively, I look forward to book number two,
Thanks to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for giving me opportunity to read and review this book,
Thanks to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for giving me opportunity to read and review this book,
August 20, 2025
Stolen Souls is my first ML Rose book, but judging by what I've read it won't be the last. The novel is extremely well put together, the story taut and breathless at times, it's not a pleasant read because of the subject matter, child abuse.
As I say, it's my first ML Rose book and I was very impressed by not only the style of writing but the story. It flowed very well, eliciting emotion at the right places, revulsion at others. The main protagonist Nikki Gill, a detective inspector who is moving from London to Oxford is on the surface competent, yet there is a past that isn't fully told in this story. I guess it'll eke out over the following books, which on the basis of this must come. It affects the way she deals with others. It's a highly personal case that Nikki finds herself being dragged into. At first sight a suicide, yet Nikki soon realises that its murder. Little does she know that it'll end up dragging memories from her childhood.
This was a really good read, devoured over a couple of nights, it left me wanting more of Nikki Gill. A harrowing subject that can at times be difficult to read. I loved the devotion of the two boys to each other. Pauls support for Tommy was very touching.
As I say, it's my first ML Rose book and I was very impressed by not only the style of writing but the story. It flowed very well, eliciting emotion at the right places, revulsion at others. The main protagonist Nikki Gill, a detective inspector who is moving from London to Oxford is on the surface competent, yet there is a past that isn't fully told in this story. I guess it'll eke out over the following books, which on the basis of this must come. It affects the way she deals with others. It's a highly personal case that Nikki finds herself being dragged into. At first sight a suicide, yet Nikki soon realises that its murder. Little does she know that it'll end up dragging memories from her childhood.
This was a really good read, devoured over a couple of nights, it left me wanting more of Nikki Gill. A harrowing subject that can at times be difficult to read. I loved the devotion of the two boys to each other. Pauls support for Tommy was very touching.
September 17, 2023
This book starts with the disturbing account of two boys in a care home who are being abused. The older one tries to protect the younger, but they are powerless against the men who abuse them.
Nikki Gill has just arrived in Oxford to take up a post with the police after many years with the Met. The night before she is due to start she is walking through the College grounds when a piercing scream is heard. On investigation she finds a woman standing over a body in a lecturers study. Although not officially started her job she soon takes charge. Although this doesn't go down very well with another detective who thinks he should be SIO. However they soon learn that the politics of the University Colleges are a minefield & the case comes close to home when investigations lead them to the care home where Nikki's brother had been when he died.
I found this a bit of a difficult book to review. There were details that seemed to contradict themselves. I didn't really feel I knew Nikki much better by the end. Maybe she'll grow on me! I would give this one 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book.
Nikki Gill has just arrived in Oxford to take up a post with the police after many years with the Met. The night before she is due to start she is walking through the College grounds when a piercing scream is heard. On investigation she finds a woman standing over a body in a lecturers study. Although not officially started her job she soon takes charge. Although this doesn't go down very well with another detective who thinks he should be SIO. However they soon learn that the politics of the University Colleges are a minefield & the case comes close to home when investigations lead them to the care home where Nikki's brother had been when he died.
I found this a bit of a difficult book to review. There were details that seemed to contradict themselves. I didn't really feel I knew Nikki much better by the end. Maybe she'll grow on me! I would give this one 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book.
September 15, 2023
Wow!
Stolen Souls grabbed me and didn’t let me go until I finished the book. I had to keep reading to find out what the outcome was going to be. Now….I am so ready for the next book in the series!
I enjoyed getting to know Detective Nikki Gill and her team. I think their personalities work well together.
M.L. Rose is a new author to me. I found her writing very intriguing and engaging. The flow of the story was smooth and solid. The story itself is a very heartbreaking and emotional (child abuse/molestation) read for sure.
The setting is in Oxford a city I lived close by for 4 years. I could relate to many of the places the author referred to which was nice. In fact, my son was born in Oxford.
Definitively recommend this new series to crime fiction lovers.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Stolen Souls grabbed me and didn’t let me go until I finished the book. I had to keep reading to find out what the outcome was going to be. Now….I am so ready for the next book in the series!
I enjoyed getting to know Detective Nikki Gill and her team. I think their personalities work well together.
M.L. Rose is a new author to me. I found her writing very intriguing and engaging. The flow of the story was smooth and solid. The story itself is a very heartbreaking and emotional (child abuse/molestation) read for sure.
The setting is in Oxford a city I lived close by for 4 years. I could relate to many of the places the author referred to which was nice. In fact, my son was born in Oxford.
Definitively recommend this new series to crime fiction lovers.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
July 16, 2023
DI Nikki Gill has relocated to Oxford, and as she begins her new journey in the police force, she is faced with a murder to solve.
She has her own heartbreak and problems in her life, and has to get to know her team.
Her investigations lead her to solve the mystery surrounding her own brother's death.
As this is the first in a new series with a new leading character, there are many characters to get to know. They start out as cardboard characters, and little by little, gain flesh, so to speak, to become realistic.
I look forward to further books in this series, to see how the characters develop and become a team that rely on each other's role to successfully solve crimes.
Very enjoyable, and of course, a female lead. My favourite!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
She has her own heartbreak and problems in her life, and has to get to know her team.
Her investigations lead her to solve the mystery surrounding her own brother's death.
As this is the first in a new series with a new leading character, there are many characters to get to know. They start out as cardboard characters, and little by little, gain flesh, so to speak, to become realistic.
I look forward to further books in this series, to see how the characters develop and become a team that rely on each other's role to successfully solve crimes.
Very enjoyable, and of course, a female lead. My favourite!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 15, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing.
The novel set in Oxford introduces the character of D.I. Nikki Gill. Throughout the book we learn a little of her personal life, divorced with a teenage daughter, as she investigates the death of a professor under mysterious circumstances.
Although practically from the beginning we know the motive and the identity of the murderer, the academic intrigues and well-drawn characters make this book a perfect start to this series. I'm looking forward to learning more about the rest of the team members as well, which will surely happen in later books.
Stolen Souls is a great read with a not too convoluted plot which I enjoyed very well. Perfect for a relaxing moment.
The novel set in Oxford introduces the character of D.I. Nikki Gill. Throughout the book we learn a little of her personal life, divorced with a teenage daughter, as she investigates the death of a professor under mysterious circumstances.
Although practically from the beginning we know the motive and the identity of the murderer, the academic intrigues and well-drawn characters make this book a perfect start to this series. I'm looking forward to learning more about the rest of the team members as well, which will surely happen in later books.
Stolen Souls is a great read with a not too convoluted plot which I enjoyed very well. Perfect for a relaxing moment.
July 30, 2023
Stolen Souls: An absolutely pulse-pounding crime thriller (Detective Nikki Gill Book 1) by M.L. Rose.
The sins of the past will not remain buried, that is for sure. How terrible for the wife to find her husband murdered. The whole time I'm reading, I keep thinking, what happened to Tommy when he was dragged away? What about the other boy, Paul?
Stolen Souls is an interesting yet sad story and ending. The culprit was a complete surprise, and some other revelations were shocking as well, but I don't want to say too much as it will give away the plot.
This is a good start to a new series. I would like to read more by this author and more in this series.
#StolenSouls #NetGalley @Stormbooks_co
The sins of the past will not remain buried, that is for sure. How terrible for the wife to find her husband murdered. The whole time I'm reading, I keep thinking, what happened to Tommy when he was dragged away? What about the other boy, Paul?
Stolen Souls is an interesting yet sad story and ending. The culprit was a complete surprise, and some other revelations were shocking as well, but I don't want to say too much as it will give away the plot.
This is a good start to a new series. I would like to read more by this author and more in this series.
#StolenSouls #NetGalley @Stormbooks_co
August 12, 2023
Nikki Gill takes up a DI post in Oxford, and finds herself embroiled in a case of the murder of a senior academic with no apparent motive. However, another murder starts to show a pattern, linking the deaths and putting other academics into the firing line. The story is told well, and Nikki comes over as a human and professional officer.
The coincidences in the story stretch credulity a little too far, and at points I felt myself a little confused about what she was finding. The book kept my attention, but I wouldn't say it was a favourite read. Some may find the subject matter quite difficult too.
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The coincidences in the story stretch credulity a little too far, and at points I felt myself a little confused about what she was finding. The book kept my attention, but I wouldn't say it was a favourite read. Some may find the subject matter quite difficult too.
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 4, 2023
This book starts out in the past with young boys living at a children’s home being sexually abused. Complaints have been made but they are shoved under the rug and nothing happens. It then moves into present time where professors at a college are murdered. The book goes from past to present, possibly connecting the events. The chief investigator also has a tie to the children’s home. Are the events of the past the motive for the murders? There are some powerful people involved who don’t want the truth to come out. Their book was not a fast read, there are a lot of characters to keep track of. It was entertaining enough to keep me reading. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.
September 12, 2023
✨My Thoughts✨
Nikki has just transferred from the Met back Oxford which is her hometown. We don’t get to find out why straight away but something happened to make Nikki move.
Before she’s even had her first proper day as the new D.I she’s face to face with a dead body!.
This was a huge 5 star read for me , I could really tell that the author has written previous books even though this is the first that I’ve read.
The story was plotted perfectly, it had me wanting more by the first chapter.
Who knew that this case would lead to Nikki and her past? Not me that’s for sure.
I loved the storyline and how the past and present weaved together, even thought the subject of a child abuse was disturbing.
I absolutely loved this book and can’t wait to read more in this series.
Nikki has just transferred from the Met back Oxford which is her hometown. We don’t get to find out why straight away but something happened to make Nikki move.
Before she’s even had her first proper day as the new D.I she’s face to face with a dead body!.
This was a huge 5 star read for me , I could really tell that the author has written previous books even though this is the first that I’ve read.
The story was plotted perfectly, it had me wanting more by the first chapter.
Who knew that this case would lead to Nikki and her past? Not me that’s for sure.
I loved the storyline and how the past and present weaved together, even thought the subject of a child abuse was disturbing.
I absolutely loved this book and can’t wait to read more in this series.
August 1, 2023
This is my first book by this author and it's the first in a new series. What a good read it was! Right from the very first page we were drawn in by the two little boys and their story. it's hard to write about child abuse but the author handles it in a sensitive manner. The book is fast paced and it's easy to read but the dialogue was a bit lacking in parts. I liked the character of Nikki and the team dynamics and overall, it's a promising start to a new series. Some editing and proof reading to be done before publication but I would read the next in the series. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.
August 30, 2023
** Trigger warning for child abuse **
This is the first book I've read by this author and the start of a brand new series so I was delighted to be approved for an early copy from Netgalley and Storm Publishing.
This series has started out so good and I already really enjoy the setting of Oxford and Detective Nikki Gill and her team are fabulous. There was good character development as we got to know the background of Nikki. I already really like her.
This was a fast paced read which was hard to put down and kept my interest throughout.
I can't wait to see what comes next for Nikki and her team
This is the first book I've read by this author and the start of a brand new series so I was delighted to be approved for an early copy from Netgalley and Storm Publishing.
This series has started out so good and I already really enjoy the setting of Oxford and Detective Nikki Gill and her team are fabulous. There was good character development as we got to know the background of Nikki. I already really like her.
This was a fast paced read which was hard to put down and kept my interest throughout.
I can't wait to see what comes next for Nikki and her team
September 1, 2023
Set in the university city of Oxford, this is a good read, which covers some uncomfortable subjects but with sensitivity and empathy. It feels all too real and the policing is well portrayed. I liked Nikki Gill, although I felt I’d have liked more about her previous life in the Met. A nicely paced story, that doesn’t have an obvious offender, and I didn’t work it out until the very end. I also liked the tension between Nikki and Monty (although I’m not sure one Inspector would have called another Guv.) Recommended. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
November 17, 2023
Detective Nikki Gill has moved back to her home town of Oxford and about to start her new role, when she hears screams from the university grounds and discovers a professor has been murdered. She is plunged straight into the deep end. Soon another professor meets a similar end and links are made to allegations of abuse at a children’s home. Nikki neglects to advise, her brother was at that children home and was tragically killed.
ML Rose handles the delicate topic of abuse well and is a key feature in the underlying plot. Nikki’s character is well thought out and can see an engrossing series ahead. I would recommend this book to any crime fiction fan.
ML Rose handles the delicate topic of abuse well and is a key feature in the underlying plot. Nikki’s character is well thought out and can see an engrossing series ahead. I would recommend this book to any crime fiction fan.
September 12, 2023
I very much enjoyed this story about Detective Inspector Nikki Gill as she faced her first case in Oxford. A murder of a University Professor, followed by a second 2 days later. were they linked? Why had Nikki moved back to Oxford? The flashbacks are relevant and help to understand Nikki's background. I felt the author wrote well and builds the various characters well. They felt believable. The child abuse issues come out at the beginning, but it is not immediately obvious why. I can recommend this book to crime fiction lovers.
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