'Wowzers! What an impressive novel.' Ranna (Ray) Marie, Goodreads
"I really enjoyed this book. It kept me engaged throughout the whole book. I loved the author's style of writing and could not put it down. Pick up a copy; you won't regret it." Lorkian S.
'Gaming, assassins, suspense, twists...this one has it all.' Jen, Goodreads
Ben Lorloch, a brilliant young Scottish laird and secret assassin, must hunt down his father's killer while dodging assassination attempts. Thrust into a dark conspiracy, he must outwit the most deadly assassins in the game.
I have spent quite a bit of time in Scotland, so when I picked up ‘HEAD: A Ben Lorloch Mystery Thriller’ I was curious to see how well it would capture that atmosphere. I was struck straight away by how rooted it feels in the Scottish landscape and heritage. Ben Lorloch is more than just another thriller hero, he is a Scottish laird bound to his land and haunted by the brutal killing of his father. That sense of place matters. The Highlands, the estate, the weight of inheritance, they are not just background but part of the fabric of the mystery. Even when the story plunges into virtual reality or globe-spanning intrigue, you are reminded that Ben is a Scot first, shaped by a culture of resilience and dry humour.
P. Portraits has a distinctive writing style. The action scenes are taut and sharp, while moments that touch on memory, land, or family unfold with a more lyrical rhythm. The dialogue often carries a dark, sardonic edge that feels authentically Scottish. There are passages where the prose becomes almost poetic about the land, and others where it is clipped and abrupt, pulling you headlong into danger. The shifts can be jarring at first, but they are part of the book’s restless energy.
What really surprised me was the way Portraits blends the traditional with the speculative. On one side you have the timeless clash over inheritance, old grudges, and Highland identity, and on the other you have immersive gaming, virtual reality, and an international conspiracy of assassins. It should not work, yet it does, because the Scottishness gives the story its anchor.
‘HEAD: A Ben Lorloch Mystery Thriller’ will not be for everyone. The narrative is complex, the style unusual, and the mix of genres daring. But if you are willing to lean into its strangeness, there is a lot here to enjoy. It is ambitious, imaginative, and firmly tied to the culture and landscape of Scotland, which gives it a character all its own.
While it took me a bit to get into the author’s writing style, once I did I was fully immersed. It honestly felt like I was in the mc’s ‘head’ (no pun intended lol), and the more the story went on- the more intense it got.
Someone in film needs to get a hold of this because I could definitely see it becoming a movie or series!
5 stars- this is definitely one of a kind.
*I received a copy from the author, and this review was left voluntarily*
Book Name: HEAD - A Ben Lorloch Gaming Mystery Thriller
Summary: HEAD is an immersive and suspenseful mystery thriller set within the world of gaming. The novel follows Ben Lorloch, a 21-year-old game creator, coder, and assassin, as he navigates a treacherous journey filled with unexpected twists and dangerous turns. When a bounty is placed on Ben's life, he must unravel the mystery surrounding his father's death while staying one step ahead of the assassins who are now after him. This high-stakes adventure is packed with intrigue, suspense, and a series of thrilling plot twists that will keep readers hooked from start to finish.
Story: The story centers on Ben Lorloch of Lorloch Estate, Scotland, a young and talented game creator who also happens to be an assassin. Ben is sometimes referred to as "Meconopsis" or "Cookie" by those who know him in different capacities. His life takes a dark turn when his father, Byron Lorloch, is shot dead in front of him when he is just ten years old. Haunted by his father's murder, Ben embarks on a mission to discover who ordered the kill and why.Byron had created a game called HEAD, a complex and mysterious game with 12 levels that hold clues to his secret portal and treasure. To complete the game, players must collect 12 totems across 12 levels. However, these totems are not just virtual—they exist in the real world, having been gifted by Byron to his friends and business partners. Only gamers with genetic similarity to Byron can see the portal totem and access his dimensions. Ben must track down and collect these totems in real life to unlock his father's secret portal and claim the treasure hidden within.As if that weren't enough, Ben's girlfriend, Sirenuse, suddenly vanishes, adding another layer of urgency to his quest. While searching for Sirenuse and hunting down his father's killer, Ben finds himself the target of a bounty placed on his life. Assassins, who could be anyone around him—friends, family, or well-known associates—are closing in, leaving Ben to question whom he can truly trust.
My Thoughts: HEAD was my first venture into a gaming-related novel, and it turned out to be an incredibly gripping and exciting read. P. Portraits skillfully writes a story that blends the immersive experience of gaming with a compelling mystery. The plot is packed with twists and turns, keeping the suspense alive throughout the novel.One of the aspects I loved most was how the author merged gaming elements and assassination plots into one cohesive story. Playing the "HEAD" game in the novel reminded me of the thrill I used to get from playing games like Temple Run and Sniper. The story also includes ruthless killings and betrayal, adding layers of tension and excitement.
The characters are well-developed and contribute significantly to the story's depth. Ben Lorloch, the protagonist, is particularly compelling, and I found myself deeply invested in his journey. I also appreciated the character development of Ben, and I felt a sense of sadness for characters like Arie, Dave, and Sirenuse as the story unfolded.
On the flip side, I hated characters like Francesco, Gigi, and karl didn't resonate with me as much, but they played their parts in driving the story forward.
Overall, HEAD is a thrilling ride that will appeal to both gamers and mystery enthusiasts alike. P. Portraits has done a fantastic job of creating a world that is as immersive as it is dangerous, making this novel a must-read for fans of the genre.
HEAD is a fast, brutal read with a style that’s as sharp and quick as its protagonist. The short chapters and clipped action sequences work well, especially when Ben’s side jobs wrap in a matter of pages. And the mystery kept me on my toes. The pacing felt true to the character. It was quick, cold, and always moving. However, the writing style was somewhat jarring. It’s first-person, present tense, with short, staccato sentences that sometimes read more like notes than prose. Often, it felt like I was reading through the lens of a robot rather than a living person, which helps with immersing you inside the mind of a cold-blooded assassin. But the tradeoff is that it often feels emotionally flat and awkward. This was especially true for the dialogue formatting. The book never uses quotation marks when Ben is speaking, and seldom uses dialogue tags for the other characters, which makes every conversation a puzzle. It gets especially confusing when Ben flips between talking and texting. Still, if you like cold, relentless protagonists and a compelling mystery and don’t mind an experimental, sometimes messy style, something is compelling here. It’s rough around the edges, but it knows exactly what kind of story it’s telling.
HEAD is a gripping fusion of tech-driven suspense and psychological intrigue, delivered through a raw, fast-moving story that keeps the tension high. At its core is Ben Lorloch—a young game designer thrust into a maze of digital deception, assassins, and buried secrets after the murder of his father.
What makes this novel stand out isn’t just the smart interplay between virtual reality and real-life danger—it’s the emotional intensity driving the action. Lorloch is no polished hero; he’s complex, distant at times, yet undeniably compelling. The writing style is sharp and staccato, matching the breakneck pace of the plot. It might feel abrupt at first, but once it clicks, it pulls you in hard.
If you're into thrillers that mix tech, mystery, and existential depth, HEAD is worth the ride. Think Black Mirror meets a gritty, futuristic murder mystery—twisted, immersive, and unexpectedly thoughtful.
Iconoclastic Mystery Thriller The creative and unusual writing style makes this portrait of an assassin’s world unique in the genre of mystery thrillers. We live inside the mind of an elite killer who is constantly looking over his own shoulder to the point of paranoia. The unpredictability of the plot, and the unpredictable interactions between the characters make for an engaging and entertaining read. The reader’s mind is continually challenged to differentiate between reality and virtual reality.
I’ll be honest right up front—I’m not really a “tech person.” I went into HEAD: A Ben Lorloch Mystery Thriller not really knowing what to expect—gaming, assassins, mystery? It sounded wild and WAY out of my comfort zone. And honestly, it is wild… but in the best possible way. Within a few chapters, I was hooked, pulled straight into this dark, twisty, almost cinematic world where danger lurks in every corner and nothing is quite what it seems. This story completely won me over. The writing is so gripping and the story so cleverly woven that I found myself pulled straight into this world without ever feeling lost.
Ben Lorloch is a fascinating character—sharp, haunted, and unpredictable in a way that makes you lean closer rather than step back. He’s not your typical thriller hero, and that’s exactly what makes him work. The action is relentless, the atmosphere deliciously dark, and the twists are so well-timed that I kept saying “just one more chapter” until suddenly the night was gone.
What surprised me most was how smoothly the gaming/tech side blended with the classic mystery-thriller feel. Even for someone like me, who usually shies away from those elements, it never felt overwhelming—it just added a fresh layer of intrigue. By the time I reached the ending, I was both tense and thoroughly impressed with how neatly the pieces locked together.
So, if you love thrillers but think the tech angle might not be your thing—trust me, this one is worth diving into. Dark, inventive, and utterly addictive, HEAD is a ride I didn’t expect to enjoy this much. Count me in for the next Ben Lorloch adventure.
"HEAD: A Ben Lorloch Mystery Thriller" by P. Portraits is a fresh, clever spin on the classic whodunit, blending the pulse-pounding world of assassins with immersive gaming. Ben Lorloch—part billionaire, part deadly hunter—hits the road (and virtual realms) to uncover who killed his father… while dodging hits himself. I loved how the story flips between intense real-world showdowns and vibrant online escapades, creating a mash-up that feels equal parts thriller and sci-fi. Be warned, though: the writing style can sometimes be choppy, reading a bit like a telegram. Sentences often come out clipped—like rapid-fire bullet points—so if you're hoping for lush, flowing prose, you may be momentarily jarred. Fortunately, once you settle into the style, the riveting plot and inventive premise shine through. The action is relentless, the twists keep you guessing, and the gaming elements add a fun, futuristic charm. If you overlook the abrupt narrative style, you'll be rewarded with an engaging, imaginative story that stands out from the usual thriller fare. It's worth a read for those who enjoy mysteries with a dash of high-tech mayhem!
Head follows the double life of Ben Lorloch, a Scottish laird and deadly assassin who gets caught up in a dark plot of revenge and assassination after his father's murder. Ben is both a billionaire game creator by day and a competent killer by night. The plot of the story takes him through a deadly mix of high-tech gaming and real-world spying. This fast-paced thriller keeps you on the edge of your seat with its snappy writing and unique mix of concepts, like virtual games and lethal assassination threats. Head is perfect fit for people who like both mystery and techno-thrillers. It has a unique twist that keeps readers on edge, pushing the limits of what is real and what is technology. It's a must-read for anybody who want their thrillers with a modern, unpredictable edge.
What a ride. HEAD is that rare kind of thriller that pulls you in with action but keeps you hooked with layers—psychological, emotional, even existential. Ben Lorloch is a brilliant lead: sharp, damaged, unpredictable. The line between game and reality blurs so cleverly, I found myself double-guessing everything alongside him.
It’s fast-paced, yes, but not mindless. The worldbuilding is smart, the dialogue tight, and the deeper questions around identity, memory, and self-delusion really land. Think Black Mirror meets House of Leaves, but tighter. Easily one of the most original things I’ve read this year.
Virtual intrigue in this fast-paced thriller If you enjoy thrillers that combine gaming technology with human drama, you’ll like HEAD. It’s dark, fast-paced, and full of surprises. Expect virtual battlegrounds, shadowy assassins, and betrayal. The protagonist Ben Lorloch is a billionaire game developer whose world shatters after his father’s murder. He is brilliant, flawed, and compelling. His choices aren’t always noble, but they’re gripping to watch unfold. The clipped, rapid-fire writing style keeps the energy crackling. Gaming mechanics fused with mystery add unpredictability in this high-octane thriller that oscillates between digital and real worlds.
A clever and original plot, filled with riddles and twists that keep the tension high throughout. 'Head' is a novel that blends the exciting world of gaming with the dangerous life of an assassin. The main character, Ben, is both—an assassin and a game creator. It’s an unexpected combination, much like the layers of the story. Gamers will likely enjoy it, but even those who aren’t and simply love a good mystery will probably find it intriguing. I enjoyed tracking Ben’s character development, as well as that of the other characters in the book, and the unexpected challenges they face.
This book was unlike anything I had read before. P. Portraits created an incredibly original story that was gripping until the end. I thoroughly enjoyed the gaming aspects of the novel, as someone who enjoys video games herself. I also found myself very connected to the characters, which is often something I struggle with in mystery novels.
this was a strong start to the Ben Lorloch Mystery Thriller series, it had that element that I was looking for and enjoyed about the genre. It was everything that I was looking for and had that mystery element that I was looking for. P. Portraits has a strong writing style and was glad I read this. I hope to read more in this series and from the author.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Not going to lie...this was all over the place. If you read it, there's a lot to keep up with. BUT I think it's worth it. It's very intriguing. Lots of intricate parts that eventually weave together. I am curious to see how Ben's relationship with Kit & Clandestina are going to go...all things considered. That's definitely interesting. This was really good.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is an original well set out thriller and I enjoyed the mix of virtual reality and actual danger which the author combined in a clever and believable way. The pace is fast and the protagonist Ben Lorloch is a cunning yet insightful character which only added to the twists and turns throughout. The ending wasn't easy to predict which I liked.
I loved the mystery aspect but the gaming not so much, however I believe this book has something for everyone who enjoys a good mystery/thriller.
Written from a first person perspective, this book is an entertaining romp through the eyes of an assassin. It almost reads like an ongoing inner dialect, as the main character, Ben, travels through the vividly described Scottish scenery to hunt down the killer of his father, whilst encountering a number of nefarious characters along the way.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
While this isn't my usual genre, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel! Gaming, assassins, suspense, twists...this one has it all. The author did an excellent job of character & world building, and I was totally invested in finding out what happens to Ben. Fans of mysteries/thrillers will love this one!