What do you think?
Rate this book
Sigil
What happens when coincidence is no longer a charming after dinner tale? When serendipity gives way to jeopardy and there doesn’t seem to be a way out, all sense of reason is abandoned. Is the fall inevitable?
A body is found in a desolate Dartmoor stream, and Jack is in the frame. The police don’t believe that he met, coincidentally, a mysteriously captivating woman called Ruthven barely a quarter of a mile away at the same time.
Jack’s search for Ruthven, to provide an alibi, is a race against time.
A stolen esoteric seal known as a sigil and a talisman offered for safe passage, all conspire to indicate Jack’s guilt. His world is thrown into a tailspin.
Is the enigmatic siren a fantasy, or will she be revealed? Does the Sigil hold secrets and how can the esoteric seal be decoded? DS Baines pushes the limits of her detective skills whilst battling demons of her own. Somehow, all is not what it seems…
Al Nicholson’s debut novel, like all good psychological mysteries, will keep you guessing.
342 pages, Paperback
Published October 8, 2024
2 people are currently reading
6 people want to read
About the author
Al Nicholson
1 book1 followerAl Nicholson is new to fiction writing, with Sigil as his debut novel.
He was born and raised in Kent, England.
He graduated with a B.ed (hons) and spent his working life as a teacher.
Now that he has a moment to catch his breath, he has devoted his time to the creative arts. He has written the music for all three Kaprekar's Constant albums and toured with them across the UK and europe.
His latest venture sees him drawing inspiration from his love of the West Country and its dramatic landscape. His newly found passion for writing has spurred him on to create more novels.
He was born and raised in Kent, England.
He graduated with a B.ed (hons) and spent his working life as a teacher.
Now that he has a moment to catch his breath, he has devoted his time to the creative arts. He has written the music for all three Kaprekar's Constant albums and toured with them across the UK and europe.
His latest venture sees him drawing inspiration from his love of the West Country and its dramatic landscape. His newly found passion for writing has spurred him on to create more novels.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
August 30, 2025
I really enjoyed Sigil! The Dartmoor setting is so vivid you can almost smell the damp air and hear the crunch of boots on the moorland paths. Nicholson captures the atmosphere so well that it feels like the landscape itself is shaping the story.
The characters made it even stronger for me. Jack, with his mix of naivety and stubbornness, feels like someone you could genuinely know—well-meaning, but often in over his head. Ruthven, on the other hand, is wonderfully eccentric, sharp, and just unpredictable enough to keep you wondering about her true motives. And then there’s DS Baines, the detective whose impatience and questionable choices sometimes make you doubt if he’s really up to solving the case. Their interactions spark against the brooding Dartmoor backdrop and give the book its momentum.
What stood out to me, too, was how carefully the plot has been put together. The themes are layered and thought-provoking, and you can tell a lot of research went into the background. The writing itself flows beautifully—elegant without being heavy, and always easy to follow.
This isn’t a story driven by big, shocking twists—it’s more about mood, coincidence, and how chance events spiral into larger consequences. For me, that worked. A few moments leaned more on atmosphere than plot, and the reliance on coincidence stretched believability now and then, but it didn’t take away from the experience. In fact, it added to the novel’s eerie, almost fated quality.
All in all, Sigil is a moody, thought-provoking mystery that blends crime, chance, and hints of the occult in a way that stands apart. I’m really looking forward to Al Nicholson’s second novel.
The characters made it even stronger for me. Jack, with his mix of naivety and stubbornness, feels like someone you could genuinely know—well-meaning, but often in over his head. Ruthven, on the other hand, is wonderfully eccentric, sharp, and just unpredictable enough to keep you wondering about her true motives. And then there’s DS Baines, the detective whose impatience and questionable choices sometimes make you doubt if he’s really up to solving the case. Their interactions spark against the brooding Dartmoor backdrop and give the book its momentum.
What stood out to me, too, was how carefully the plot has been put together. The themes are layered and thought-provoking, and you can tell a lot of research went into the background. The writing itself flows beautifully—elegant without being heavy, and always easy to follow.
This isn’t a story driven by big, shocking twists—it’s more about mood, coincidence, and how chance events spiral into larger consequences. For me, that worked. A few moments leaned more on atmosphere than plot, and the reliance on coincidence stretched believability now and then, but it didn’t take away from the experience. In fact, it added to the novel’s eerie, almost fated quality.
All in all, Sigil is a moody, thought-provoking mystery that blends crime, chance, and hints of the occult in a way that stands apart. I’m really looking forward to Al Nicholson’s second novel.
September 1, 2025
Sigil is an incredibly written, well thought out book.
I could tell so much research went into this, so much passion & love.
I love that AL wrote incredibly strong females , it can be tricky for male authors to write female, AL knocked this out of the park.
Sigil is a thriller, mixed with a murder mystery, detectives, the occult & a sprinkle of romance.
I have never read anything like this, I absolutely loved the occult element and found it SO intriguing.
5 🌟
I could tell so much research went into this, so much passion & love.
I love that AL wrote incredibly strong females , it can be tricky for male authors to write female, AL knocked this out of the park.
Sigil is a thriller, mixed with a murder mystery, detectives, the occult & a sprinkle of romance.
I have never read anything like this, I absolutely loved the occult element and found it SO intriguing.
5 🌟
June 6, 2025
Thank you for sending me your debut novel in return for an honest review.
What I find most inspiring is when you finish a book and are able to discuss your thoughts with the author. I enjoyed our discussion and it clarified things in a way I never considered.
This is a highly unique reading journey. It was fascinating and entertaining, with some profound and mind-stimulating moments. Every reading journey is personal, and I think this book is the type that will have varied views.
This is a character-focused tale. Jack and Ruthven meet by chance in the deep expanse of Dartmoor. Not long afterward, a body is found. The police question whether this was simply a freak accident or murder. Jack may not know the girl, but the links begin to fall into place for him to be in the spotlight. Woven amongst the drama is the elusive occult. The presence of a sigil takes the tale on an unfathomable twist.
The plot and theme of this book are intriguing, intricately crafted, and extremely well-researched. I found the writing style and flow engaging, eloquent, and easy to follow. Although the chapter length was a bit of a challenge.
It is a murder mystery, with a side focus on esoteric philosophical phenomena. It wasn't particularly heavy, but depending on your beliefs, it can be a little far-fetched. The book does rely a lot on coincidences and chance events. I was a little skeptical, and it did feel a little too unbelievable in places for me.
The characters were very intriguing; they each had their own taut backstory.
Ruthven was an unorthodox character, and although I had an initial picture of her, it wasn't until the end that you find out the color of her hair; it made me have a whole different image. Her personality was an oddity and portrayed well.
In contrast, Jack appeared to be a typical young fellow, quite naive and easily misled. Then you have the detective, DS Baines, a struggling detective with some very questionable actions.
This book was packed with mystery; it often made me feel flummoxed. I had constant, whirring questions in my mind. When I finished the book, I did have questions left unanswered, which made me wonder whether I had followed the complexity quite right.
After chatting with the author, everything became more apparent; it gave me clarity and a better understanding.
This is the type of book that every reader will interpret differently. Coincidences, serendipity, and jeopardy. Go in blind and enjoy the ride.
What I find most inspiring is when you finish a book and are able to discuss your thoughts with the author. I enjoyed our discussion and it clarified things in a way I never considered.
This is a highly unique reading journey. It was fascinating and entertaining, with some profound and mind-stimulating moments. Every reading journey is personal, and I think this book is the type that will have varied views.
This is a character-focused tale. Jack and Ruthven meet by chance in the deep expanse of Dartmoor. Not long afterward, a body is found. The police question whether this was simply a freak accident or murder. Jack may not know the girl, but the links begin to fall into place for him to be in the spotlight. Woven amongst the drama is the elusive occult. The presence of a sigil takes the tale on an unfathomable twist.
The plot and theme of this book are intriguing, intricately crafted, and extremely well-researched. I found the writing style and flow engaging, eloquent, and easy to follow. Although the chapter length was a bit of a challenge.
It is a murder mystery, with a side focus on esoteric philosophical phenomena. It wasn't particularly heavy, but depending on your beliefs, it can be a little far-fetched. The book does rely a lot on coincidences and chance events. I was a little skeptical, and it did feel a little too unbelievable in places for me.
The characters were very intriguing; they each had their own taut backstory.
Ruthven was an unorthodox character, and although I had an initial picture of her, it wasn't until the end that you find out the color of her hair; it made me have a whole different image. Her personality was an oddity and portrayed well.
In contrast, Jack appeared to be a typical young fellow, quite naive and easily misled. Then you have the detective, DS Baines, a struggling detective with some very questionable actions.
This book was packed with mystery; it often made me feel flummoxed. I had constant, whirring questions in my mind. When I finished the book, I did have questions left unanswered, which made me wonder whether I had followed the complexity quite right.
After chatting with the author, everything became more apparent; it gave me clarity and a better understanding.
This is the type of book that every reader will interpret differently. Coincidences, serendipity, and jeopardy. Go in blind and enjoy the ride.
January 5, 2025
Book Review: Sigil by Al Nicholson
Al Nicholson’s debut novel, Sigil, is a gripping psychological mystery that plunges readers into a labyrinth of coincidence, deception, and intrigue. Set against the hauntingly atmospheric backdrop of Dartmoor, Nicholson masterfully weaves a tale that is as enigmatic as it is captivating.
The story begins with the discovery of a body in a desolate stream, thrusting Jack, the protagonist, into the center of a chilling mystery. His only hope of clearing his name lies in locating Ruthven, a mysteriously alluring woman whose existence becomes increasingly uncertain. With the clock ticking and the evidence stacking up against him, Jack’s quest for the truth spirals into a race against time—and sanity.
Nicholson’s skillful storytelling shines in his ability to blur the line between reality and fantasy. The sigil and talisman add an esoteric layer to the plot, creating a sense of foreboding and mysticism that deepens the mystery. Each twist and revelation draws the reader further into a web of suspicion, leaving them questioning not only Jack’s innocence but the very nature of truth itself.
The dual narrative, featuring DS Baines, adds another layer of complexity to the novel. Her personal struggles and determination to solve the case provide a compelling counterpoint to Jack’s frantic search. Baines is a well-drawn character whose resilience and vulnerabilities make her journey as engrossing as the central mystery.
Nicholson’s evocative prose brings Dartmoor’s desolation and beauty to life, creating an atmospheric setting that feels like a character in its own right. The pacing is taut, and the plot twists are expertly executed, ensuring that readers remain on edge until the very last page.
Sigil is a thought-provoking and unpredictable debut that will appeal to fans of psychological mysteries and thrillers. With its rich atmosphere, intricate plotting, and compelling characters, this novel is sure to leave readers eagerly anticipating Nicholson’s next work.
Al Nicholson’s debut novel, Sigil, is a gripping psychological mystery that plunges readers into a labyrinth of coincidence, deception, and intrigue. Set against the hauntingly atmospheric backdrop of Dartmoor, Nicholson masterfully weaves a tale that is as enigmatic as it is captivating.
The story begins with the discovery of a body in a desolate stream, thrusting Jack, the protagonist, into the center of a chilling mystery. His only hope of clearing his name lies in locating Ruthven, a mysteriously alluring woman whose existence becomes increasingly uncertain. With the clock ticking and the evidence stacking up against him, Jack’s quest for the truth spirals into a race against time—and sanity.
Nicholson’s skillful storytelling shines in his ability to blur the line between reality and fantasy. The sigil and talisman add an esoteric layer to the plot, creating a sense of foreboding and mysticism that deepens the mystery. Each twist and revelation draws the reader further into a web of suspicion, leaving them questioning not only Jack’s innocence but the very nature of truth itself.
The dual narrative, featuring DS Baines, adds another layer of complexity to the novel. Her personal struggles and determination to solve the case provide a compelling counterpoint to Jack’s frantic search. Baines is a well-drawn character whose resilience and vulnerabilities make her journey as engrossing as the central mystery.
Nicholson’s evocative prose brings Dartmoor’s desolation and beauty to life, creating an atmospheric setting that feels like a character in its own right. The pacing is taut, and the plot twists are expertly executed, ensuring that readers remain on edge until the very last page.
Sigil is a thought-provoking and unpredictable debut that will appeal to fans of psychological mysteries and thrillers. With its rich atmosphere, intricate plotting, and compelling characters, this novel is sure to leave readers eagerly anticipating Nicholson’s next work.
September 8, 2025
I really enjoyed this awesome debut novel by Al Nicholson. I'd describe it as a psychological mystery, thriller where we are taken into the dark world of the occult, with a dash of romance thrown in too. What's not to enjoy!
We begin with landscape photographer Jack Reilly climbing one of Dartmoors' highest peaks to take photographs for a spiritual website. Once there, capturing the views, he happens to come across a mysterious and captivating girl known as Ruthven. After a brief conversation over lunch together, they part ways as the weather takes a turn for the worst.
A couple of days later, he hears on the TV that a girl has been found dead near Fur Tor. This is the direction Ruthven would have taken to head home.
Assigned to the case is DS Sandra Baines and DC Mark Box. Jack, fearing the worst, goes to the police to tell his story and hopes it isn't Ruthven. However, in doing so, he finds himself as a suspect.
Then, we learn about an esoteric seal known as a sigil. A symbolic image with magical or mystical meaning, and this takes the case to another mysterious level.
I don't want to give anything away, so I'm not going to say anymore about the story. You'll just have to read it!
You can tell the author has done extensive research into the background of this book, and it has definitely paid off. It is written beautifully, and although the chapters are a little longer than most thrillers, it works well and didn't take away from the experience and enjoyment.
The story is centred around chance events and coincidence, serendipity and jeopardy.
I loved the occult elements, which added a uniqueness to the story, which I really enjoyed. I'm already eagerly awaiting Nicholsons next novel!
Thank you so much for sending me your debut novel in return for an honest review.
We begin with landscape photographer Jack Reilly climbing one of Dartmoors' highest peaks to take photographs for a spiritual website. Once there, capturing the views, he happens to come across a mysterious and captivating girl known as Ruthven. After a brief conversation over lunch together, they part ways as the weather takes a turn for the worst.
A couple of days later, he hears on the TV that a girl has been found dead near Fur Tor. This is the direction Ruthven would have taken to head home.
Assigned to the case is DS Sandra Baines and DC Mark Box. Jack, fearing the worst, goes to the police to tell his story and hopes it isn't Ruthven. However, in doing so, he finds himself as a suspect.
Then, we learn about an esoteric seal known as a sigil. A symbolic image with magical or mystical meaning, and this takes the case to another mysterious level.
I don't want to give anything away, so I'm not going to say anymore about the story. You'll just have to read it!
You can tell the author has done extensive research into the background of this book, and it has definitely paid off. It is written beautifully, and although the chapters are a little longer than most thrillers, it works well and didn't take away from the experience and enjoyment.
The story is centred around chance events and coincidence, serendipity and jeopardy.
I loved the occult elements, which added a uniqueness to the story, which I really enjoyed. I'm already eagerly awaiting Nicholsons next novel!
Thank you so much for sending me your debut novel in return for an honest review.
September 14, 2025
I have felt like I was in a bit of a slump with some recent reads so I needed a good fast paced story to get me out of that.
So it's a mad coincidence that the author of a book about a coincidental encounter followed me yesterday.
I instantly purchased Sigil for the kindle and read it in less than a day!
The Blurb...
What happens when coincidence is no longer a charming after dinner tale? When serendipity gives way to jeopardy and there doesn’t seem to be a way out, all sense of reason is abandoned. Is the fall inevitable?
A body is found in a desolate Dartmoor stream, and Jack is in the frame. The police don’t believe that he met, coincidentally, a mysteriously captivating woman called Ruthven barely a quarter of a mile away at the same time.
Jack’s search for Ruthven, to provide an alibi, is a race against time.
A stolen esoteric seal known as a sigil and a talisman offered for safe passage, all conspire to indicate Jack’s guilt. His world is thrown into a tailspin.
Is the enigmatic siren a fantasy, or will she be revealed? Does the Sigil hold secrets and how can the esoteric seal be decoded? DS Baines pushes the limits of her detective skills whilst battling demons of her own. Somehow, all is not what it seems…
This was incredible, I didn't have a clue what a Sigil was or some of the things mentioned in the book and that just made it even more interesting.
Poor Jack really has a bad time throughout the book all because of a meeting with a lady called Ruthven! Her character is not one I've met before in a book and although at times I couldn't connect with her very well I still wanted to know everything about her.
This story allowed me to escape reality for a bit and it was unlike anything I've ever read before.
Brilliant debut novel, go check it out!
4/5
So it's a mad coincidence that the author of a book about a coincidental encounter followed me yesterday.
I instantly purchased Sigil for the kindle and read it in less than a day!
The Blurb...
What happens when coincidence is no longer a charming after dinner tale? When serendipity gives way to jeopardy and there doesn’t seem to be a way out, all sense of reason is abandoned. Is the fall inevitable?
A body is found in a desolate Dartmoor stream, and Jack is in the frame. The police don’t believe that he met, coincidentally, a mysteriously captivating woman called Ruthven barely a quarter of a mile away at the same time.
Jack’s search for Ruthven, to provide an alibi, is a race against time.
A stolen esoteric seal known as a sigil and a talisman offered for safe passage, all conspire to indicate Jack’s guilt. His world is thrown into a tailspin.
Is the enigmatic siren a fantasy, or will she be revealed? Does the Sigil hold secrets and how can the esoteric seal be decoded? DS Baines pushes the limits of her detective skills whilst battling demons of her own. Somehow, all is not what it seems…
This was incredible, I didn't have a clue what a Sigil was or some of the things mentioned in the book and that just made it even more interesting.
Poor Jack really has a bad time throughout the book all because of a meeting with a lady called Ruthven! Her character is not one I've met before in a book and although at times I couldn't connect with her very well I still wanted to know everything about her.
This story allowed me to escape reality for a bit and it was unlike anything I've ever read before.
Brilliant debut novel, go check it out!
4/5
November 8, 2024
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Characters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
Twist: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.6
This novel pulls you in with vibrant descriptions and an intriguing cast. The banter between Jack and Ruthven is instantly engaging, and both characters carry an air of recent heartbreak that makes their interactions feel authentic and haunting. Ruthven, in particular, is shrouded in mystery—a character you’re not entirely sure you trust but can’t look away from.
The author’s style is unique and nuanced, relying on subtle hints that require close reading, which kept me highly engaged. Coincidences play a big role here, weaving through the narrative and tying into a broader theme of interconnectedness and fate. It was refreshing to see a mystery unfold through well-placed clues rather than obvious breakthroughs, creating a story that felt both immersive and unpredictable.
However, Ruthven’s selfishness becomes a frustrating point. Her refusal to help Jack—despite her potential to clear his name—shows a self-centeredness that feels unfair to a character as genuine as Jack. The ending felt like a letdown; without spoiling too much, it’s bittersweet and left me wishing for more justice for Jack, whose naivety and good intentions drew me in. While it speaks to the complexity of life and relationships, it was a tough finish for a character who deserved more resolution.
If you enjoy a titillating mystery with deep character work and an unpredictable story, this one’s worth the read. Just be prepared for an ending that may leave you wanting a bit more.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Characters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
Twist: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.6
This novel pulls you in with vibrant descriptions and an intriguing cast. The banter between Jack and Ruthven is instantly engaging, and both characters carry an air of recent heartbreak that makes their interactions feel authentic and haunting. Ruthven, in particular, is shrouded in mystery—a character you’re not entirely sure you trust but can’t look away from.
The author’s style is unique and nuanced, relying on subtle hints that require close reading, which kept me highly engaged. Coincidences play a big role here, weaving through the narrative and tying into a broader theme of interconnectedness and fate. It was refreshing to see a mystery unfold through well-placed clues rather than obvious breakthroughs, creating a story that felt both immersive and unpredictable.
However, Ruthven’s selfishness becomes a frustrating point. Her refusal to help Jack—despite her potential to clear his name—shows a self-centeredness that feels unfair to a character as genuine as Jack. The ending felt like a letdown; without spoiling too much, it’s bittersweet and left me wishing for more justice for Jack, whose naivety and good intentions drew me in. While it speaks to the complexity of life and relationships, it was a tough finish for a character who deserved more resolution.
If you enjoy a titillating mystery with deep character work and an unpredictable story, this one’s worth the read. Just be prepared for an ending that may leave you wanting a bit more.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 26, 2025
Sigils are symbols, sometimes pictorial signatures of spirits or deities, that are believed to have magical or mystical power.
This book is set around the idyllic Dartmoor. It takes you on a journey of a photographer who whilst out hiking to take photos, he meets a rather intriguing woman called Ruthven. Later he hears that a woman’s body has been found near to where he was. Could it be her?
He goes to the police desperate to find out if she’s ok but he finds himself as their number one suspect.
He is desperate to clear his name.
Nicholson is an excellent storyteller and I loved the atmospheric descriptions of the beautiful landscape. It made me feel like I was right there on the Dartmoor. I also found the characters intriguing especially Ruthven a woman with so many stories and identities.
One of the strongest elements of the book is its premise with a mysterious cult like magical element which kept me hooked and wanting to find out more. I learnt an awful lot about sigils something I hadn’t heard of before .
I loved the plot twists towards the end but I felt it was cut short and was hoping to hear more about it.
Did I enjoy it?
Yes, as it’s not the type of book I would normally read with a cult like magical element.
Would I recommend it?
Absolutely I have to friends at work .
#alnicholson #debutnovel #mystery #cult #magical
This book is set around the idyllic Dartmoor. It takes you on a journey of a photographer who whilst out hiking to take photos, he meets a rather intriguing woman called Ruthven. Later he hears that a woman’s body has been found near to where he was. Could it be her?
He goes to the police desperate to find out if she’s ok but he finds himself as their number one suspect.
He is desperate to clear his name.
Nicholson is an excellent storyteller and I loved the atmospheric descriptions of the beautiful landscape. It made me feel like I was right there on the Dartmoor. I also found the characters intriguing especially Ruthven a woman with so many stories and identities.
One of the strongest elements of the book is its premise with a mysterious cult like magical element which kept me hooked and wanting to find out more. I learnt an awful lot about sigils something I hadn’t heard of before .
I loved the plot twists towards the end but I felt it was cut short and was hoping to hear more about it.
Did I enjoy it?
Yes, as it’s not the type of book I would normally read with a cult like magical element.
Would I recommend it?
Absolutely I have to friends at work .
#alnicholson #debutnovel #mystery #cult #magical
May 14, 2025
Sigil by Al Nicholson - what a debut novel! 👏🏻
This book is set in picturesque Dartmoor National Park and surrounding areas, I've never been to those places before, but after reading this book I would love to go and visit.
Jack is on a hike through Dartmoor when he, by chance, meets Ruthven. Their meeting is brief but eventful, and the mysterious Ruthven leaves a lasting impression upon Jack.
A few days later Jack learns that a body has been discovered on the moor not far from where he and Ruthven parted company, worried that the body could be Ruthvens, Jack decides to contact the police in an effort to help, but also to ensure that Ruthven is not the deceased. When no trace of Ruthven can be discovered Jack quickly becomes the Polices number one suspect for murder.
This book is fast paced and a very easy read. The descriptions of the areas are so vivid that I could feel the cold air coming off the pages. It was also my first taste into the occult which I thoroughly enjoyed. It's mysterious, it's gripping and it's everything that keeps you turning pages.
I was so pleasantly surprised by the book that I'm already looking forward to Al Nicholson's next installment in this wonderful part of England.
This book is set in picturesque Dartmoor National Park and surrounding areas, I've never been to those places before, but after reading this book I would love to go and visit.
Jack is on a hike through Dartmoor when he, by chance, meets Ruthven. Their meeting is brief but eventful, and the mysterious Ruthven leaves a lasting impression upon Jack.
A few days later Jack learns that a body has been discovered on the moor not far from where he and Ruthven parted company, worried that the body could be Ruthvens, Jack decides to contact the police in an effort to help, but also to ensure that Ruthven is not the deceased. When no trace of Ruthven can be discovered Jack quickly becomes the Polices number one suspect for murder.
This book is fast paced and a very easy read. The descriptions of the areas are so vivid that I could feel the cold air coming off the pages. It was also my first taste into the occult which I thoroughly enjoyed. It's mysterious, it's gripping and it's everything that keeps you turning pages.
I was so pleasantly surprised by the book that I'm already looking forward to Al Nicholson's next installment in this wonderful part of England.
October 1, 2024
Firstly, I need to make it clear from the start that Al Nicholson is a close friend of mine. Having written music and appeared on stage alongside him since our teenage years, I knew that his debut novel would be a quality piece of work as he will never compromise on originality or presentation. But that amounts to nothing if it fails to be a good read. Rest assured, it is a very good read! Al enjoys a love of the brooding, atmospheric landscape of Dartmoor. It becomes almost a character in itself as the story unfolds and the reader is drawn into one man's desperate situation that is both bizarre, yet totally believable, in equal measure. This is not your average, tired, off-the-shelf police mystery where the conclusion can be anticipated after a couple of chapters. There's a distinct lack of spoilers here as the book works best if you go into it without any preconceptions. The story stands or falls on the power of a simple coincidence. It stands and, in doing so, rewards the reader handsomely.
November 2, 2025
Rating: 4.25/5
What a brilliant debut novel — I really enjoyed this one! 🙌
A gripping murder mystery/detective story with an incredibly unique and intriguing plot. You can clearly tell how much research went into crafting this story, and it made the experience feel so vivid and layered.
I loved the characters and found myself really rooting for them throughout. The setting was atmospheric and so easy to visualise — bleak, eerie, and totally immersive, adding an extra depth to the story. I was hooked from the start and ended up reading this over just two sittings because I simply had to know what happened next!
The chapters are longer than I usually prefer, but honestly? I flew through this book so fast it barely mattered. I’m really hoping this won’t be the last we see from this author — I’m already excited to read whatever they write next! ✨📚
What a brilliant debut novel — I really enjoyed this one! 🙌
A gripping murder mystery/detective story with an incredibly unique and intriguing plot. You can clearly tell how much research went into crafting this story, and it made the experience feel so vivid and layered.
I loved the characters and found myself really rooting for them throughout. The setting was atmospheric and so easy to visualise — bleak, eerie, and totally immersive, adding an extra depth to the story. I was hooked from the start and ended up reading this over just two sittings because I simply had to know what happened next!
The chapters are longer than I usually prefer, but honestly? I flew through this book so fast it barely mattered. I’m really hoping this won’t be the last we see from this author — I’m already excited to read whatever they write next! ✨📚
September 23, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. The author created a rich atmosphere (the cover captures it perfectly), the characters were well developed and the pacing good, the book really flowed well - it was difficult on occasion to put it down.
I read so much that most books are pretty predictable. This one was not! It surprised me at several turns, and I genuinely enjoyed the surprise.
The reason I gave it 4 stars and not 5 is that I felt slightly let down by a couple of turns of plot, particularly as the book came to a resolution.
I would definitely recommend it, however, and I would love to read more from the author.
I read so much that most books are pretty predictable. This one was not! It surprised me at several turns, and I genuinely enjoyed the surprise.
The reason I gave it 4 stars and not 5 is that I felt slightly let down by a couple of turns of plot, particularly as the book came to a resolution.
I would definitely recommend it, however, and I would love to read more from the author.
February 24, 2025
At the beginning of the story, it felt like the central theme was still being decided. The second chapter started to grab my attention in a good way.
The Mmc is taking pictures of the nature of Fur Tor when he meets the FMC. He is unaware of what is unfolding at Dartmoor at the same time. I felt the FMC was a very shady character with a sketchy agenda. Read to find out what the tragedy at Dartmoor is? I would like to read more from this author.
This is the first novel of Al Nicholson.
Occult
February
Police Procedural
The Mmc is taking pictures of the nature of Fur Tor when he meets the FMC. He is unaware of what is unfolding at Dartmoor at the same time. I felt the FMC was a very shady character with a sketchy agenda. Read to find out what the tragedy at Dartmoor is? I would like to read more from this author.
This is the first novel of Al Nicholson.
Occult
February
Police Procedural
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 21, 2025
I found this book to be well written and a steady pace, ot flows really well. I was intrigued straight away and couldn't wait to see how it ended, I struggled to put this down.
Chapters were on the longer side for my liking, so I found myself seeing how long the chapter was before committing and knowing I could squeeze an extra one in. But the chapter lengths worked perfectly for this book.
I was left stumped by the ending and wanted more.
But overall, it is a great read with good, well developed characters and a good pace.
A great debut novel that keeps you guessing.
Chapters were on the longer side for my liking, so I found myself seeing how long the chapter was before committing and knowing I could squeeze an extra one in. But the chapter lengths worked perfectly for this book.
I was left stumped by the ending and wanted more.
But overall, it is a great read with good, well developed characters and a good pace.
A great debut novel that keeps you guessing.
November 2, 2024
I was hooked from the first page, and really enjoyed the development of the storylines throughout Sigil. As well as learning a thing or two about sigils themselves, the descriptions of Dartmoor were beautifully scripted and the characters had a depth that really drew me in and I was invested in multiple sides of the story, which made it all the more enjoyable. Thank you for taking me on a refreshing journey and I look forward to the future work from this author!
November 20, 2025
Wasn't sure what to expect with this book, but it definitely didn't disappoint 😊
I found this a fast-paced but easy read. If you're a fan of murder mystery and deceive reads, then this is definitely for you, but then if you're not, then give it a try. You won't regret it.
I would 100% recommend this book 📖 😊
I found this a fast-paced but easy read. If you're a fan of murder mystery and deceive reads, then this is definitely for you, but then if you're not, then give it a try. You won't regret it.
I would 100% recommend this book 📖 😊
September 26, 2024
A great opening to the book....it made me want to read more. And then it held me and kept me guessing throughout. Highly recommended
October 8, 2024
Dramatic, beautiful Dartmoor as a setting. Interesting, plausible characters and page-turning events that leave you guessing til the end. A brilliant read!
November 19, 2024
Lovely read based on Dartmore and lovely Devon towns. Would love to read the ongoing story of the main characters.
April 6, 2025
If you like a mystery that keeps you guessing until the very end this is for you. The characters are all well built and the story line is interesting
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews