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HEAD: A Ben Lorloch Mystery Thriller
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.
HEAD: A Ben Lorloch Mystery Thriller blends psychological intrigue with tech-driven suspense. Protagonist, Ben Lorloch, a billionaire fund manager and assassin, navigates real and virtual worlds, intertwining gaming, assassinations and human drama. The novel features shadowy assassins and themes of betrayal. The story is fast-paced and action-packed, effectively blending gaming elements with classic mystery tropes and exploring deeper questions about identity, memory and self-deception.
HEAD: A Ben Lorloch Mystery Thriller blends psychological intrigue with tech-driven suspense. Protagonist, Ben Lorloch, a billionaire fund manager and assassin, navigates real and virtual worlds, intertwining gaming, assassinations and human drama. The novel features shadowy assassins and themes of betrayal. The story is fast-paced and action-packed, effectively blending gaming elements with classic mystery tropes and exploring deeper questions about identity, memory and self-deception.
632 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 9, 2023
2 people want to read
About the author
P. Portraits
4 books25 followersAuthor of assassin mystery thrillers - HEAD: A Ben Lorloch Scottish Mystery Thriller.
Author of the poetry book 'Sixty Fragments'.
Author of the poetry book 'Sixty Fragments'.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 29, 2025
A smart, twist-filled thriller that blurs reality, gaming, and raw emotion. Ben Lorloch is a compelling, flawed lead, and the Scottish atmosphere gives the story real weight. Clever, immersive, and unpredictable from start to finish — a gripping read that keeps you second-guessing everything. Highly recommended.
August 25, 2024
Author: P. Portraits
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.
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.
January 1, 2025
This one was a wild ride. It takes a second to understand what is happening but once you get it the book is very good. There is a ton of back stabbing, sabotage and just fighting about who will become the head of the organization. It's a very good book. I love the fact that the book is in real life and in the game as it makes the book that much more interesting.
November 12, 2025
The author crafts a taut and atmospheric narrative that draws the reader into the brooding world of estate secrets and midnight intrigue. The novel's premise is immediately gripping, offering a fresh spin on the classic thriller setup, and it quickly establishes an undercurrent of tension that persists throughout.
Portraits’ writing style is wholly distinctive—at once terse and immersive, with a rhythmic cadence that sets it apart from more conventional fare in the genre. While the prose may take a moment to acclimate to, it ultimately serves to deepen the story’s sense of unease and foreboding, mirroring the protagonist’s own disquiet as events unfold. The author’s restraint in exposition and careful attention to mood invites readers to piece together the mystery in step with Lorloch himself, rewarding patience with a steadily escalating suspense.
Characterization stands strong, with Ben Lorloch emerging as a flawed yet compelling lead, and supporting figures lending additional texture to the chilling landscape of the Tarquilain Estate. The plot’s progression is satisfyingly unpredictable, veering away from formulaic twists and instead favoring dark, organic developments that keep the reader guessing and engaged.
For those seeking a thriller that isn’t afraid to break stylistic ground, HEAD delivers an experience both unsettling and memorable. Its inventive approach and palpable atmosphere, combined with an original plot engine, mark P. Portraits as a bold new voice in the realm of psychological suspense.
Portraits’ writing style is wholly distinctive—at once terse and immersive, with a rhythmic cadence that sets it apart from more conventional fare in the genre. While the prose may take a moment to acclimate to, it ultimately serves to deepen the story’s sense of unease and foreboding, mirroring the protagonist’s own disquiet as events unfold. The author’s restraint in exposition and careful attention to mood invites readers to piece together the mystery in step with Lorloch himself, rewarding patience with a steadily escalating suspense.
Characterization stands strong, with Ben Lorloch emerging as a flawed yet compelling lead, and supporting figures lending additional texture to the chilling landscape of the Tarquilain Estate. The plot’s progression is satisfyingly unpredictable, veering away from formulaic twists and instead favoring dark, organic developments that keep the reader guessing and engaged.
For those seeking a thriller that isn’t afraid to break stylistic ground, HEAD delivers an experience both unsettling and memorable. Its inventive approach and palpable atmosphere, combined with an original plot engine, mark P. Portraits as a bold new voice in the realm of psychological suspense.
October 13, 2025
HEAD throws you straight into a world of gaming, assassins, and secrets that blur the line between digital and real life. The pace is fast, the writing sharp, and the atmosphere almost cinematic. Ben Lorloch is one of those rare thriller characters who feels both dangerous and deeply human. He is brilliant, haunted, and unpredictable. You never quite know what he’ll do next, and that’s what makes it so addictive. It’s not just action; there’s a psychological layer too (grief, control, emotions). If you enjoy clever thrillers with a cyber twist, this one definitely delivers.
November 2, 2024
Rich Gaming Assassin Meets VR
So there's this ridiculously rich assassin named Ben Lorloch who's about to turn the gaming world upside down in P. Portraits' wild gaming thriller.
Think high-stakes murder mystery meets virtual reality, where nothing is what it seems and everyone's got a secret hiding behind their avatar.
The story throws you headfirst into this crazy mix of gaming culture and seriously twisted assassinations that'll make you think twice about putting on that VR headset.
What starts as a regular whodunit turns into this insane rabbit hole of plot twists that'll have you questioning whether anything in Ben's virtual world is actually real.
Between the pulse-pounding action and the mind-bending mystery, this book basically grabs you by the collar!
So there's this ridiculously rich assassin named Ben Lorloch who's about to turn the gaming world upside down in P. Portraits' wild gaming thriller.
Think high-stakes murder mystery meets virtual reality, where nothing is what it seems and everyone's got a secret hiding behind their avatar.
The story throws you headfirst into this crazy mix of gaming culture and seriously twisted assassinations that'll make you think twice about putting on that VR headset.
What starts as a regular whodunit turns into this insane rabbit hole of plot twists that'll have you questioning whether anything in Ben's virtual world is actually real.
Between the pulse-pounding action and the mind-bending mystery, this book basically grabs you by the collar!
October 14, 2025
Interesting and fresh
In HEAD Ben Lorloch isn't the typical hero—he's an assassin I found myself sympathetic towards throughout. The unconventional structure took some adjustment, but it worked for me. Twists kept coming, blending Scottish heritage with high-stakes action and virtual reality intrigue. It was ethically complex and genuinely gripping.
In HEAD Ben Lorloch isn't the typical hero—he's an assassin I found myself sympathetic towards throughout. The unconventional structure took some adjustment, but it worked for me. Twists kept coming, blending Scottish heritage with high-stakes action and virtual reality intrigue. It was ethically complex and genuinely gripping.
September 19, 2025
An interesting read! I did have to adjust to the point-of-view style, but once I did (which happened quickly) it was a fast paced and thrilling tale. I really like how there were so many elements intertwining and how they came together, especially the gaming and IRL (in real life) issues. Ben is a fascinating character with ingenuity, guilt, flaws, and complicated relationships that play right into the plot. It's definitely a different read than I'm used to, but in a good way!
February 10, 2025
Heady
4*
Virtual Killer Wealth
This is a mystery thriller in which the main character, a billionaire named Ben Lorloch, masquerades as an assassin in a virtual gaming world, tensed with the real-life dread of assassination.
The premise pits a wealthy assassin against antagonists in a virtual world as it dives deep into the mystery of his father’s death. The conflict arises when his life intersects with the ‘now’ generation forever connected with social networks and digital realism.
The unpredictable twists are ready-made for intrigue as the characters come to life in a virtual world setting until the threat of sudden death scatters gamers in a digital world.
The turbulent, abrupt sentences and gaming terms for non-gamers were challenging.
However, the effort and courage of the writing style are commendable, twisted around a worthwhile mystery.
4*
Virtual Killer Wealth
This is a mystery thriller in which the main character, a billionaire named Ben Lorloch, masquerades as an assassin in a virtual gaming world, tensed with the real-life dread of assassination.
The premise pits a wealthy assassin against antagonists in a virtual world as it dives deep into the mystery of his father’s death. The conflict arises when his life intersects with the ‘now’ generation forever connected with social networks and digital realism.
The unpredictable twists are ready-made for intrigue as the characters come to life in a virtual world setting until the threat of sudden death scatters gamers in a digital world.
The turbulent, abrupt sentences and gaming terms for non-gamers were challenging.
However, the effort and courage of the writing style are commendable, twisted around a worthwhile mystery.
October 15, 2025
I picked up HEAD: A Ben Lorloch Mystery Thriller on a whim during one of those late-night Kindle sales—y'know, when you're scrolling Amazon at 2 a.m. because sleep's overrated. I'm a sucker for hot chocolate, and the cover with that moody Highland mist promised something gritty.
Boy, did it deliver, though not always in the way I expected.
What I loved most was the atmosphere—Michael Kilkor's got a knack for painting those damp, windswept landscapes that make you feel the chill right through your screen. Ben's not your cookie-cutter hero; he's flawed as hell, nursing grudges and a liver that's seen better days, which made him feel real. The pacing's solid too—starts slow like a hungover morning but builds to a frenzy that kept me flipping pages till dawn. And the side characters? That crusty old pub owner and the sharp-tongued journalist? Gold. They added layers without bogging things down.
That said, it's not flawless. Some of the dialogue veers a tad clichéd ("You'll never take me alive!" vibes in a couple spots), and I could've done with fewer info-dumps on Scottish history mid-chase. Also, if you're after deep emotional gut-punches, this leans more procedural than character study—fine by me, but your mileage might vary.
Overall, if you're into Rebus or Laidlaw knockoffs with a fresh twist, grab this. It's a quick, punchy read that scratched my thriller itch perfectly. 4.5 stars—rounding down only because I finished it too fast and now I'm jonesing for the next one. Kilkor, you owe me sleep!
Boy, did it deliver, though not always in the way I expected.
What I loved most was the atmosphere—Michael Kilkor's got a knack for painting those damp, windswept landscapes that make you feel the chill right through your screen. Ben's not your cookie-cutter hero; he's flawed as hell, nursing grudges and a liver that's seen better days, which made him feel real. The pacing's solid too—starts slow like a hungover morning but builds to a frenzy that kept me flipping pages till dawn. And the side characters? That crusty old pub owner and the sharp-tongued journalist? Gold. They added layers without bogging things down.
That said, it's not flawless. Some of the dialogue veers a tad clichéd ("You'll never take me alive!" vibes in a couple spots), and I could've done with fewer info-dumps on Scottish history mid-chase. Also, if you're after deep emotional gut-punches, this leans more procedural than character study—fine by me, but your mileage might vary.
Overall, if you're into Rebus or Laidlaw knockoffs with a fresh twist, grab this. It's a quick, punchy read that scratched my thriller itch perfectly. 4.5 stars—rounding down only because I finished it too fast and now I'm jonesing for the next one. Kilkor, you owe me sleep!
January 27, 2026
Ben Lorloch’s mystery thriller completely drew me in, even though I’m not usually a fan of first-person narratives. What immediately caught my attention were some unusual character choices - for example, one character (to avoid spoilers) continues drinking whisky after witnessing his father being murdered in cold blood. At the same time, the protagonist frequently reflects on past jobs, which added depth and kept me interested rather than slowing the story down.
The author does a great job maintaining suspense; without it, the story could have felt tedious. While some readers have suggested that the writing style might need improvement, I personally found it engaging and immersive.
As the plot moves forward, the action ramps up, with unexpected twists that keep you on edge. The ending was particularly satisfying, tying everything together neatly. Even as someone who doesn’t normally gravitate toward this genre, I was hooked from start to finish - and I believe mystery thriller fans will find it even more compelling.
The author does a great job maintaining suspense; without it, the story could have felt tedious. While some readers have suggested that the writing style might need improvement, I personally found it engaging and immersive.
As the plot moves forward, the action ramps up, with unexpected twists that keep you on edge. The ending was particularly satisfying, tying everything together neatly. Even as someone who doesn’t normally gravitate toward this genre, I was hooked from start to finish - and I believe mystery thriller fans will find it even more compelling.
October 30, 2025
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.
December 27, 2025
This read was weird. And long. Longly weird, it felt like it could easily be 200 pages shorter. I’m still not really sure what to think of it. It’s well written in its own way, but that really depends on if you like an unusual, experimental style. The narrative jumps around a lot, and sometimes you really have to concentrate just to tell what’s happening. Dialogue isn’t always in quotation marks, which makes conversations confusing more often than not. The plot is original but i think I would enjoy it more if it was written differently as the writing style was all over the place, and instead of enhancing the story, it often distracted from it. If you enjoy novels that push boundaries and are willing to put in extra effort to follow the narrative, this one might be worth trying. But it definitely wasn’t my cup of tea.
September 2, 2025
From the very first page, HEAD had me hooked. Ben Lorloch is a fascinating lead—complex, determined, and easy to root for even when the odds are stacked against him. The mystery unfolds in layers, with each revelation raising the stakes and pulling you deeper into the story.
I loved the pacing: fast enough to keep me turning pages late into the night, but never rushed. The tension is palpable, the atmosphere is moody and immersive, and the writing style flows effortlessly.
By the end, I felt both satisfied and eager to see where Ben Lorloch’s story goes next. This is exactly the kind of thriller I look for—intelligent, gripping, and emotionally engaging.
Five stars, highly recommended!
I loved the pacing: fast enough to keep me turning pages late into the night, but never rushed. The tension is palpable, the atmosphere is moody and immersive, and the writing style flows effortlessly.
By the end, I felt both satisfied and eager to see where Ben Lorloch’s story goes next. This is exactly the kind of thriller I look for—intelligent, gripping, and emotionally engaging.
Five stars, highly recommended!
August 26, 2025
HEAD is a mesmerizing collision of speculative fiction, psychological thriller, and digital noir. From the very first page, I was pulled into its fractured virtual world—where memory deceives, identity shatters, and nothing is quite as it seems. The writing is sharp yet lyrical, reminiscent of Neil Gaiman’s mythic layering in American Gods while carrying the haunting intimacy of William P. Young’s The Shack. Like Jodi Picoult’s House Rules, it navigates moral ambiguity with heart and tension, yet its pacing and suspense keep you flipping pages like a James Patterson thriller.
October 21, 2025
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.
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.
September 24, 2025
I flew through this book. The mix of gaming/ virtual reality and mystery really hooked me-- fast-paced, full of twists, and constantly moving between characters and places. Ben Lorloch is a fascinating lead, uncovering secrets that genuinely surprised me. The clipped writing style I thought was refreshing, the tension and pacing kept me turning pages. If you like thrillers with a tech edge and lots of twists, this one’s worth it. five stars!
October 20, 2025
HEAD is a gripping mystery-thriller with a fast-paced plot and unexpected twists. The author skillfully blends elements of gaming and political intrigue, creating a world that feels both modern and mysterious. The main character, Ben Lorloch, is well-developed, with a tense and dramatic journey to uncover the truth. The multilayered storyline spans various settings and characters, keeping readers hooked from start to finish. A must-read for fans of action-packed and modern detective fiction.
October 21, 2025
A tightly written, edge-of-your-seat mystery that never lets go. The story blends suspense, emotion, and razor-sharp twists with cinematic flair. Ben Lorloch’s character shines through layers of complexity and grit. Each chapter pulls you deeper into a world of secrets and danger. A brilliant, pulse-pounding read from start to finish.
October 26, 2025
The story follows Ben Lorloch, a young Scot and assassin only known by his nickname, who wants to find his father's killer. Meanwhile, he carries a hit after hit, assassinating for diamonds. Unfortunately, these is another assassin who goes after him, and Ben have to do his best to stop him. This thriller is a little bit long, but fast paced and keeps you hooked until the end.
November 22, 2025
I don't usually go for stories like this, but something about this book got my attention. The story revolves around Ben, whose life takes a drastic change after his father is murdered. What hooked me from the start was the unpredictability of the plot, as well as the creative and unusual writing style.
Definitely recommended
Definitely recommended
September 6, 2025
This thriller had me hooked right from the start. It’s one of those books that keeps you turning the pages, always wanting to know what’s around the corner. Dark, intriguing, and full of tension—definitely a story that stays with you
September 29, 2025
Page turner full of intrigue and mystery, great character development. You will feel like you are transported to another time. This is a masterclass in how to write a story that is compelling and has a lot at stake at every turn. Amazing and climactic ending.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews