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The Boyfriend
Not every love story is a fairytale romance… When Anna first meets Mark, she thinks he’s the perfect boyfriend. Wealthy and charming, he showers her with gifts, compliments, everything she has ever desired.
But Mark is less a prince than a man with a dangerous secret, and as their love life becomes ever darker, Anna flees him.
There is nowhere safe from him, though. Not for Anna. Nor for the girlfriends who follow her.
Because this is a boyfriend who would kill to make sure he can continue to kiss sleeping princesses…
But Mark is less a prince than a man with a dangerous secret, and as their love life becomes ever darker, Anna flees him.
There is nowhere safe from him, though. Not for Anna. Nor for the girlfriends who follow her.
Because this is a boyfriend who would kill to make sure he can continue to kiss sleeping princesses…
264 pages, Paperback
First published April 4, 2025
703 people are currently reading
359 people want to read
About the author
John Nicholl
26 books2,020 followersJohn Nicholl is a Welsh author renowned for his gripping psychological thrillers and crime novels. Born and raised in West Wales, Nicholl draws upon his experiences as a former police officer, child protection social worker, and lecturer to craft compelling narratives that delve into the darkest corners of human nature. His work often explores themes of justice, psychological manipulation, and the resilience of the human spirit.
Nicholl's transition to writing began after leaving a career in law enforcement and social services, where he witnessed the harsh realities of crime and its impact on victims. These experiences lend authenticity and depth to his stories, which are known for their vivid characters, intricate plots, and emotionally charged storytelling.
He debuted with the bestselling novel The Doctor, a chilling psychological thriller that introduced readers to his distinctive style. This was followed by a string of successful novels, including The Wife and The Cop. Nicholl’s books have resonated with readers worldwide, earning him critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base.
In addition to his novels, Nicholl is an advocate for raising awareness about abuse and mental health issues, using his platform to address societal challenges. When not writing, he enjoys the tranquil surroundings of West Wales, where he continues to draw inspiration for his work.
Nicholl's transition to writing began after leaving a career in law enforcement and social services, where he witnessed the harsh realities of crime and its impact on victims. These experiences lend authenticity and depth to his stories, which are known for their vivid characters, intricate plots, and emotionally charged storytelling.
He debuted with the bestselling novel The Doctor, a chilling psychological thriller that introduced readers to his distinctive style. This was followed by a string of successful novels, including The Wife and The Cop. Nicholl’s books have resonated with readers worldwide, earning him critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base.
In addition to his novels, Nicholl is an advocate for raising awareness about abuse and mental health issues, using his platform to address societal challenges. When not writing, he enjoys the tranquil surroundings of West Wales, where he continues to draw inspiration for his work.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
April 4, 2025
This was a fantastic read, I'm hoping it will be a continued read,as the characters are so good.Anna thought she had the perfect boyfriend. but he was a nasty piece of work,violence, and cruel..shes brave enough to take him to court, but will he be found guilty?he wants to kill someone,will he live out his fantasy? An engaging read from the start.looking forward to reading more of his books. Fantastic author.
January 13, 2026
If you decide to read this thriller, cancel all plans because you’re not going to want to stop reading once you start. You may also choose to sleep with the lights on after checking to make sure all doors are locked. The plot is fast-paced and hooked me immediately. Some parts made me cry with sadness, while others brought tears of joy. Disturbing, unsettling, and gripping, this cat-and-mouse story is unpredictable and chilling. TW of detailed SA. Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for my copy.
March 24, 2025
THE BOYFRIEND is a gripping psychological thriller by international bestseller author, John Nicholl. After having read all his novels, which include The Dr. David Galbraith series, The DI Gravel series and his standalone psychological thrillers…this novel is another winner! The author has written books, each dealing with different issues, drawing on his experience as police officer and child protection social worker. This is a dark tale of revenge.
His Standalone Novels Include:
The Cop (2019)
aka The Girl in Red
The Student (2019)
aka The Girl in White
Mr Nice (2020)
The Sisters (2020)
aka The Sisterhood
The Victim (2021)
aka Killing Evil
The Cellar (2022)
The Bride (2023)
The Holiday (2024)
The Boyfriend (2025)
This is my review of The Boyfriend.
Trigger Warning: This book deals with themes of abuse and obsession and is not for everyone.
When Anna first meets Mark, she thinks he’s the perfect boyfriend. She had fallen for what she thought was a kind, generous person…but that wasn’t true. He raped her even though she had said no. He had hurt her. And now he just kicked her to the curbside. He was a monster!
She went to the police station, to file a report…he deserved to be punished. She wanted justice.
DS Ray Lewis wants Mark in prison, but that wasn’t going to happen. He always could talk his way out of a bad situation. Ray’s boss and friend, DI Laura Kesey work well together and support each other. I liked Ray’s character, a kind soul, out for the good of the people.
Lewis wants this monster off the streets, and he soon realizes that Shady was more dangerous than they thought…a likely killer!
Shady was quite the actor, a successful businessman, generous with money, and knew how to make every girl feel special…and then when the timing was right and they were alone, he attacks his prey.
But how many more victims?
This was a well written dark gripping suspense/psychological thriller with likable and unlikeable well-developed characters and an intriguing plot. The brilliant ending blew me away, and one you won’t forget.
Many thanks to the author, Boldwood Books and Netgalley for my digital copy.
Expected publication April 4, 2025
His Standalone Novels Include:
The Cop (2019)
aka The Girl in Red
The Student (2019)
aka The Girl in White
Mr Nice (2020)
The Sisters (2020)
aka The Sisterhood
The Victim (2021)
aka Killing Evil
The Cellar (2022)
The Bride (2023)
The Holiday (2024)
The Boyfriend (2025)
This is my review of The Boyfriend.
Trigger Warning: This book deals with themes of abuse and obsession and is not for everyone.
When Anna first meets Mark, she thinks he’s the perfect boyfriend. She had fallen for what she thought was a kind, generous person…but that wasn’t true. He raped her even though she had said no. He had hurt her. And now he just kicked her to the curbside. He was a monster!
She went to the police station, to file a report…he deserved to be punished. She wanted justice.
DS Ray Lewis wants Mark in prison, but that wasn’t going to happen. He always could talk his way out of a bad situation. Ray’s boss and friend, DI Laura Kesey work well together and support each other. I liked Ray’s character, a kind soul, out for the good of the people.
Lewis wants this monster off the streets, and he soon realizes that Shady was more dangerous than they thought…a likely killer!
Shady was quite the actor, a successful businessman, generous with money, and knew how to make every girl feel special…and then when the timing was right and they were alone, he attacks his prey.
But how many more victims?
This was a well written dark gripping suspense/psychological thriller with likable and unlikeable well-developed characters and an intriguing plot. The brilliant ending blew me away, and one you won’t forget.
Many thanks to the author, Boldwood Books and Netgalley for my digital copy.
Expected publication April 4, 2025
April 20, 2025
This story will be a lot to handle for the faint hearted, but I highly enjoyed it! It dove into the mind of a manipulative predator and the consequences of blind trust. Mark Shady has officially made the list of the top worst antagonist that I have read about. He comes off as very charming and attacks his prey when they least expect it. Detective Lewis & Marks’s latest victim, Anna are fighting tooth & nail to get put him where he belongs (under a prison cell), but justice doesn’t always prevail when it should. This dark & twisty read kept me hooked and I was invested to see if they would finally catch Mark, or will he continue to wreak havoc on the young ladies that he encounters.
Overall, a solid read that I recommend for those with tough skin like me. I do advise reading the trigger warnings before diving in, as this story will leave you unsettled. But if you can handle it, it was a very good read! I enjoyed this authors writing style very much & interested in more from their catalogue.
Overall, a solid read that I recommend for those with tough skin like me. I do advise reading the trigger warnings before diving in, as this story will leave you unsettled. But if you can handle it, it was a very good read! I enjoyed this authors writing style very much & interested in more from their catalogue.
March 19, 2025
Oh Wow!!!
Anna Edwards
You trust him with your life.
You shouldn't.
the Boyfriend
Mark Shady has for the last time raped and abused her,
And DS Raymond Lewis is going to get justice for Anna this time Shady has gone too far been now let off for the third time, with a not guilty verdict in court.
Shady thinks he's untouchable, he's a psycho using them.
The final straw for Ray is been mocked on social media.
He is going to bring this flash restaurant owner well and truly down and get him sent away for a very long time or be put in the ground.
And again, Oh Wow what a book,
It's so unputdownable right through to the ending that will chill your bones sending big goosebumps through you.
I love Ray Lewis as a character he deserves happiness in his life as well as been a clever detective.
What more can I say.
I loved it!!
Anna Edwards
You trust him with your life.
You shouldn't.
the Boyfriend
Mark Shady has for the last time raped and abused her,
And DS Raymond Lewis is going to get justice for Anna this time Shady has gone too far been now let off for the third time, with a not guilty verdict in court.
Shady thinks he's untouchable, he's a psycho using them.
The final straw for Ray is been mocked on social media.
He is going to bring this flash restaurant owner well and truly down and get him sent away for a very long time or be put in the ground.
And again, Oh Wow what a book,
It's so unputdownable right through to the ending that will chill your bones sending big goosebumps through you.
I love Ray Lewis as a character he deserves happiness in his life as well as been a clever detective.
What more can I say.
I loved it!!
April 7, 2025
This was a tense read. We follow DS Ray Lewis as he tries desperately to bring a serial sexual abuse Shady, to justice. However, Shady thinks he is above the law and can do whatever he wants. Soon things get very personal between Lewis and Shady and only one of them can come out on top.
I absolutely loved Lewis. He is such a likeable character from his unhealthy lifestyle that had me laughing, his belief in justice and dogged determination. He genuinely cared about the victims and wanted to help ensure Shady couldn't hurt anyone else.
The story had some dark moments and touched on topics of sexual assault and violence. But this was portrayed in a way that felt right for the story. I don't want to give too much away as it is a book that is best read without knowing the whole story. I really hated Shady's character and wanted desperately for him to get his comeuppance.
I read this in one sitting as it was gripping and I wanted to see what happened next. Fans of thrillers and crime reads will find lots to enjoy with this one.
Huge thanks to the author, publisher and Love Books Tours for providing a copy of the book to review.
I absolutely loved Lewis. He is such a likeable character from his unhealthy lifestyle that had me laughing, his belief in justice and dogged determination. He genuinely cared about the victims and wanted to help ensure Shady couldn't hurt anyone else.
The story had some dark moments and touched on topics of sexual assault and violence. But this was portrayed in a way that felt right for the story. I don't want to give too much away as it is a book that is best read without knowing the whole story. I really hated Shady's character and wanted desperately for him to get his comeuppance.
I read this in one sitting as it was gripping and I wanted to see what happened next. Fans of thrillers and crime reads will find lots to enjoy with this one.
Huge thanks to the author, publisher and Love Books Tours for providing a copy of the book to review.
May 7, 2025
I was honestly really disappointed with this book.
I love a dark twisty book (sounds wrong to say I love it but you know what I mean) and from reading the reviews that was what I was expecting. However although the subject matter was dark and it was alluded to briefly, it didn’t feel that dark or twisty and there was no twist at all really
I love a dark twisty book (sounds wrong to say I love it but you know what I mean) and from reading the reviews that was what I was expecting. However although the subject matter was dark and it was alluded to briefly, it didn’t feel that dark or twisty and there was no twist at all really
April 5, 2025
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'The Boyfriend' by John Nicholl.
This is the ninth book I have read by this author. I have previously read 'Killing Evil' and 'The Doctor' (First book in the 'Dr David Galbraith' series) and 'The Wife' (Second book in the Dr Galbrailth series), 'The Father' (Third book in the Dr Galbraith series), 'The Carmarthen Murders' (First book in the 'Carmarthen Crime' series) , 'The Tywi Estuary Killings' (Second book in the 'Carmarthen Crime' series). 'The Bride' and 'The Cellar'. I would highly recommend each and every single one of them including this one!!
'The Boyfriend' discusses some topics that may upset some readers or may not be suitable for others. I like to point this out ahead of time in my reviews so you can judge if this book is for you or not. In this book John Nicholl discusses/includes rape.
OMG!!!! Yet another fantastic success by John!! What a read!! Just Wow!!! This is one of the best psychological thrillers and series I have read in a long time, in fact that I have ever read!!! Clear your schedules before picking this up because you won't be able to put it down!!
If you are a crime lover then you MUST have already read at least one book by John Nicholl and if you haven't then why not?? How can you call yourself a crime lover yet not ever read a book by John the King Of Crime!! The storyline is absolutely addictive and gripping. I seriously WOULD NOT even start this book unless you have cleared your schedule because you will not be able to put it down!!! I absolutely blew through it in one sitting and it genuinely was unputdownable!!! A true page turner absolutely rammed with suspense, tension and everything you want when you read a psychological thriller. This would be absolutely amazing if turned into a movie, if done right of course!!! This is an absolutely gripping and addictive storyline.
This book is yet another absolutely gripping and addictive page turner from John Nicholl. I will say from the start that it is not for the light hearted so if you are looking for a cosy crime then this is not the book for you but if you are looking for a gritty, action packed, addictive crime then stop wasting your time reading my review and grab you copy of this book now!! I have yet to come across one of his books that I don't absolutely love!! This dark psychological thriller has the perfect amount of suspense, mystery, crime and tension to keep you absolutely hooked throughout!! I love the fact that this book is based in the Carmarthen area which is literally 10 minutes away from me by car. The fact that I recognised so many places really brought the story to life. John really describes Carmarthen, Llanelli and Ammanford perfectly and even when this book is filled with crime and murder he manages to portray the beauty of local areas. I love that John mentions the vegetarian café on Merlin's Lane in Carmarthen (Waverley Stores & Vegetarian Café in anybody is interested to know what it is called and wants to visit themselves). I'm looking forward to my own visit there are my mouth watered from John's description of the vegan mushroom burger!!! In this absolutely addictive page turner John transports his readers to Carmarthenshire where we start of by meeting 20 year old Anna Edwards who is cowering under her scum boyfriend Mark Shady. We are then transported in to the future 9 months later where we meet Detective Sergeant Raymond Lewis who is sickened, angry and shocked at the jury's not guilty verdict on Mark Shady. For anyone who has read any of John's previous books they will recognise Ray who has appeared in several of John's books. I love Ray who I have also met previously, also in 'The Cellar' and 'The Bride' and who made me laugh a few times. He reminded me of Detective Inspector Gareth Gravel from the 'Dr Galbraith' and 'Carmarthen Crime' series by John although not quite as big an attitude problem!! Ray is one of those characters that will stay with you well after finishing the book. He is not the fittest of detectives, in fact he is far from it!! He used to see things as black and white but not anymore and misses the 'good old' police days where it was easier to show criminals a lesson. If it isn't bad enough that that Shady has already been given a not guilty sentence several other times before for rape but he comes straight from the court and celebrates all over social media while also telling the world that Anna is a liar, mocking both Anna and Ray. Things go from bad to worse when Ray discovers that Shady has gone straight into a relationship with Carly, the daughter of Mike Flowers who is a DC in the Pembrokeshire Division and a friend of Ray. When Ray discovers that Shady is not just a rapist but also wanted Anna to play dead the danger increases for Carly but will she listen to her parents warning? Can Shady be stopped before he rapes again, if not worse? Well, to find out for yourself grab your copy of this gripping, chilling and page turner today and I can promise that you will not regret it!! You may even discover your new favourite author just like I did when I started reading John's books!!
With a storyline absolutely ram packed with crime, mystery, murder, suspense, tension, jaw dropping shocks and everything you could ask for in an addictive psychological page turner what are you waiting for??? It also has just the right amount of humour in to lighten the mood which I always love in crime books. Will I say more? Nope, sorry for the tease but you'll just have to pick up a copy to find out more. I can't go spoiling it for future readers now can I? I found the storyline to be unique which always a bonus with so many crime novels around it can get frustrating reading similar story lines constantly. I absolutely loved the ending which was an absolutely fantastic and unexpected twist that I would have never seen coming!!! Although, I am hoping that doesn't mean the last we will see from a certain character. I think I'll have to leave this here as I don't want to risk giving anything away but needless to say this book is an absolute must read with an unexpected ending. I would love to see this turned into a movie!!
I became completely invested in Anna very early on and my heart went out to her. I absolutely loved meeting Ray again, who I mentioned earlier, as well as Detective Inspector Laura Kesey who I also got to know from previous books. She did annoy me a bit in this book with her attitude towards Ray but I could also see her side too. I also felt her frustration that she still has not got the promotion that she has been led to believe is hers especially after she lost out on a family holiday and has had arguments with her partner Jan because of it. was rooting for him to find the answers to the questions he needed answered. It was not just Anna and Ray that I was intrigued and invested in but several of the other characters who I found to have distinctive and realistic personalities although I was not a fan of them all! Just like with the storyline the characters come to life with Iain's evocative writing skills. They are well rounded, realistic and strong making them all the more believable. All the characters may have been realistic but they were not all likeable. I was completely invested in each of the characters and just had to know what was going to happen in the end! I won't go into more details about the characters as I don't want to risk giving anything away but yet again John really has done an amazing job constructing an addictive crime thriller that you just won't be able to put down. Regardless whether you love or hate the characters each of them comes to life and had a part to play, which they did perfectly!!
I really cannot compliment and recommend this book more. It is a heart racing, nail biting, suspense packed psychological thriller that will stay with you for one hell of a long time.
Congratulations John on yet another absolutely addictive nail biting edge of your seat novel. This is exactly why you are my favourite male author!! As always I'm looking forward to reading your next page turner and success 🥂 !!!
Overall another unputdownable, heart racing, nail biting and addictive psychological thriller by the King of Crime John Nicholl!!!
#TheBoyfriend #JohnNicholl #BoldwoodBooks #BoldwoodBloggers #BookAndTonic
@JohnNicholl @BoldwoodBooks @BoldwoodBloggers @BookAndTonic
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Review for 'The Boyfriend' by John Nicholl.
This is the ninth book I have read by this author. I have previously read 'Killing Evil' and 'The Doctor' (First book in the 'Dr David Galbraith' series) and 'The Wife' (Second book in the Dr Galbrailth series), 'The Father' (Third book in the Dr Galbraith series), 'The Carmarthen Murders' (First book in the 'Carmarthen Crime' series) , 'The Tywi Estuary Killings' (Second book in the 'Carmarthen Crime' series). 'The Bride' and 'The Cellar'. I would highly recommend each and every single one of them including this one!!
'The Boyfriend' discusses some topics that may upset some readers or may not be suitable for others. I like to point this out ahead of time in my reviews so you can judge if this book is for you or not. In this book John Nicholl discusses/includes rape.
OMG!!!! Yet another fantastic success by John!! What a read!! Just Wow!!! This is one of the best psychological thrillers and series I have read in a long time, in fact that I have ever read!!! Clear your schedules before picking this up because you won't be able to put it down!!
If you are a crime lover then you MUST have already read at least one book by John Nicholl and if you haven't then why not?? How can you call yourself a crime lover yet not ever read a book by John the King Of Crime!! The storyline is absolutely addictive and gripping. I seriously WOULD NOT even start this book unless you have cleared your schedule because you will not be able to put it down!!! I absolutely blew through it in one sitting and it genuinely was unputdownable!!! A true page turner absolutely rammed with suspense, tension and everything you want when you read a psychological thriller. This would be absolutely amazing if turned into a movie, if done right of course!!! This is an absolutely gripping and addictive storyline.
This book is yet another absolutely gripping and addictive page turner from John Nicholl. I will say from the start that it is not for the light hearted so if you are looking for a cosy crime then this is not the book for you but if you are looking for a gritty, action packed, addictive crime then stop wasting your time reading my review and grab you copy of this book now!! I have yet to come across one of his books that I don't absolutely love!! This dark psychological thriller has the perfect amount of suspense, mystery, crime and tension to keep you absolutely hooked throughout!! I love the fact that this book is based in the Carmarthen area which is literally 10 minutes away from me by car. The fact that I recognised so many places really brought the story to life. John really describes Carmarthen, Llanelli and Ammanford perfectly and even when this book is filled with crime and murder he manages to portray the beauty of local areas. I love that John mentions the vegetarian café on Merlin's Lane in Carmarthen (Waverley Stores & Vegetarian Café in anybody is interested to know what it is called and wants to visit themselves). I'm looking forward to my own visit there are my mouth watered from John's description of the vegan mushroom burger!!! In this absolutely addictive page turner John transports his readers to Carmarthenshire where we start of by meeting 20 year old Anna Edwards who is cowering under her scum boyfriend Mark Shady. We are then transported in to the future 9 months later where we meet Detective Sergeant Raymond Lewis who is sickened, angry and shocked at the jury's not guilty verdict on Mark Shady. For anyone who has read any of John's previous books they will recognise Ray who has appeared in several of John's books. I love Ray who I have also met previously, also in 'The Cellar' and 'The Bride' and who made me laugh a few times. He reminded me of Detective Inspector Gareth Gravel from the 'Dr Galbraith' and 'Carmarthen Crime' series by John although not quite as big an attitude problem!! Ray is one of those characters that will stay with you well after finishing the book. He is not the fittest of detectives, in fact he is far from it!! He used to see things as black and white but not anymore and misses the 'good old' police days where it was easier to show criminals a lesson. If it isn't bad enough that that Shady has already been given a not guilty sentence several other times before for rape but he comes straight from the court and celebrates all over social media while also telling the world that Anna is a liar, mocking both Anna and Ray. Things go from bad to worse when Ray discovers that Shady has gone straight into a relationship with Carly, the daughter of Mike Flowers who is a DC in the Pembrokeshire Division and a friend of Ray. When Ray discovers that Shady is not just a rapist but also wanted Anna to play dead the danger increases for Carly but will she listen to her parents warning? Can Shady be stopped before he rapes again, if not worse? Well, to find out for yourself grab your copy of this gripping, chilling and page turner today and I can promise that you will not regret it!! You may even discover your new favourite author just like I did when I started reading John's books!!
With a storyline absolutely ram packed with crime, mystery, murder, suspense, tension, jaw dropping shocks and everything you could ask for in an addictive psychological page turner what are you waiting for??? It also has just the right amount of humour in to lighten the mood which I always love in crime books. Will I say more? Nope, sorry for the tease but you'll just have to pick up a copy to find out more. I can't go spoiling it for future readers now can I? I found the storyline to be unique which always a bonus with so many crime novels around it can get frustrating reading similar story lines constantly. I absolutely loved the ending which was an absolutely fantastic and unexpected twist that I would have never seen coming!!! Although, I am hoping that doesn't mean the last we will see from a certain character. I think I'll have to leave this here as I don't want to risk giving anything away but needless to say this book is an absolute must read with an unexpected ending. I would love to see this turned into a movie!!
I became completely invested in Anna very early on and my heart went out to her. I absolutely loved meeting Ray again, who I mentioned earlier, as well as Detective Inspector Laura Kesey who I also got to know from previous books. She did annoy me a bit in this book with her attitude towards Ray but I could also see her side too. I also felt her frustration that she still has not got the promotion that she has been led to believe is hers especially after she lost out on a family holiday and has had arguments with her partner Jan because of it. was rooting for him to find the answers to the questions he needed answered. It was not just Anna and Ray that I was intrigued and invested in but several of the other characters who I found to have distinctive and realistic personalities although I was not a fan of them all! Just like with the storyline the characters come to life with Iain's evocative writing skills. They are well rounded, realistic and strong making them all the more believable. All the characters may have been realistic but they were not all likeable. I was completely invested in each of the characters and just had to know what was going to happen in the end! I won't go into more details about the characters as I don't want to risk giving anything away but yet again John really has done an amazing job constructing an addictive crime thriller that you just won't be able to put down. Regardless whether you love or hate the characters each of them comes to life and had a part to play, which they did perfectly!!
I really cannot compliment and recommend this book more. It is a heart racing, nail biting, suspense packed psychological thriller that will stay with you for one hell of a long time.
Congratulations John on yet another absolutely addictive nail biting edge of your seat novel. This is exactly why you are my favourite male author!! As always I'm looking forward to reading your next page turner and success 🥂 !!!
Overall another unputdownable, heart racing, nail biting and addictive psychological thriller by the King of Crime John Nicholl!!!
#TheBoyfriend #JohnNicholl #BoldwoodBooks #BoldwoodBloggers #BookAndTonic
@JohnNicholl @BoldwoodBooks @BoldwoodBloggers @BookAndTonic
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March 30, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⚠️ Be cautious - Dark theme with Dark descriptions ⚠️
‘One rule for men and another for women.
As if consent meant nothing at all.’
Well Mark Shady, I guess karma is a bitch after all?!
John Nicholl can really write an extremely hate-able male character!
‘He goes from one to the next. One ruined life after another.’
My first book from this author and it was good.
A very dark psychological/crime thriller.
Some very ‘heart in the mouth’ moments while reading but it was very fast paced and easy to read/follow.
As iv said above, some very dark descriptions which were uncomfortable but I do think made the book and made the hate for Shady even more!
A very annoying police officer I thought too but again I think it was all necessary for the story.
After having a look through Johns other titles i definitely think I’m gonna pick up some more after reading this one.
March 18, 2025
Let's dive into The Boyfriend. This isn't your typical romance. Forget happily ever after, this is a descent into something truly dark and disturbing.
Anna thinks she's found the perfect guy in Mark. Wealthy, charming, everything she's ever wanted. But behind that facade is a monster. He's possessive, controlling, and downright dangerous. When Anna finally escapes, she learns there's no running from him. He's relentless. And she's not the only one in danger.
This book is not for the faint of heart. It's emotionally draining and horrifying. It tackles themes of abuse and obsession in a way that's raw and unsettling. I found myself invested in Ray's character, which was a small bright spot in a very dark story.
Consider this your trigger warning. This book deals with heavy topics. If you're looking for something light and fluffy, this is not it. But even though it's dark and horrifying, it's very well written and I couldn't put it down. If you're ready for a chilling and thought-provoking read, The Boyfriend will definitely leave a mark.
Anna thinks she's found the perfect guy in Mark. Wealthy, charming, everything she's ever wanted. But behind that facade is a monster. He's possessive, controlling, and downright dangerous. When Anna finally escapes, she learns there's no running from him. He's relentless. And she's not the only one in danger.
This book is not for the faint of heart. It's emotionally draining and horrifying. It tackles themes of abuse and obsession in a way that's raw and unsettling. I found myself invested in Ray's character, which was a small bright spot in a very dark story.
Consider this your trigger warning. This book deals with heavy topics. If you're looking for something light and fluffy, this is not it. But even though it's dark and horrifying, it's very well written and I couldn't put it down. If you're ready for a chilling and thought-provoking read, The Boyfriend will definitely leave a mark.
April 4, 2025
A skin crawling story. Manipulation is what Mark Shady is good at...eew! He is a delusional and very sick character. He is dependent on his charms, wealth and striking goods looks. It felt great to hate him.
It's a dark and disturbing read touching on the emotional trauma of the innocent, trusting and naive...the victims!
DS Ray Lewis is old school and a star character in this book. Caring, honest, dependable and a strong believer in justice. Very likable. Nearing his time for retirement he needs to keep a cool head to nail this monster who manages to repeatedly slip under the net.
The Devil in disguise is getting greedy and his needs escalate, lives are being lost, time is of the essence.
Great writing, full of suspense and toe curling chapters. Recommended.
It's a dark and disturbing read touching on the emotional trauma of the innocent, trusting and naive...the victims!
DS Ray Lewis is old school and a star character in this book. Caring, honest, dependable and a strong believer in justice. Very likable. Nearing his time for retirement he needs to keep a cool head to nail this monster who manages to repeatedly slip under the net.
The Devil in disguise is getting greedy and his needs escalate, lives are being lost, time is of the essence.
Great writing, full of suspense and toe curling chapters. Recommended.
March 15, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for providing this book, with my honest review below.
The Boyfriend is everything I wish other books with its title in this genre may be, and while it seems on the surface like it may be a cookie cutter thriller, it definitely isn’t.
The characters are incredibly well written if a bit extreme in their roles, from career cop Ray Lewis to Mark Shady, the villain you’ll love to hate. When Shady once again acts despicably with his latest girlfriend she goes to court - only to see him walk free. What follows is vigilante justice and Shady fully embracing his dark side. What makes the book shine, however, is its representation of trauma and the tense build up to whether Shady will ever see justice and whether Ray Lewis will be able to bring it to him. I feel like this book could have been longer to really take advantage of the sequence of events that occur after Shady’s ‘awakening’ but I enjoyed the book even without the extra pages.
The Boyfriend is everything I wish other books with its title in this genre may be, and while it seems on the surface like it may be a cookie cutter thriller, it definitely isn’t.
The characters are incredibly well written if a bit extreme in their roles, from career cop Ray Lewis to Mark Shady, the villain you’ll love to hate. When Shady once again acts despicably with his latest girlfriend she goes to court - only to see him walk free. What follows is vigilante justice and Shady fully embracing his dark side. What makes the book shine, however, is its representation of trauma and the tense build up to whether Shady will ever see justice and whether Ray Lewis will be able to bring it to him. I feel like this book could have been longer to really take advantage of the sequence of events that occur after Shady’s ‘awakening’ but I enjoyed the book even without the extra pages.
April 16, 2025
Thank you for the opportunity to preview The Boyfriend.
This is a tough novel to read as it deals with sensitive subjects dealing with domestic violence and sexual assault.
This book starts when a horrible man who was so wonderful in the beginning of a relationship shows his true colors to a young woman.
Although she turns to the police she is not victorious in court. This man is free and able to speak badly of the victim.
A local police officer who is on the verge of retirement decides to take matters into his hands. He is sickened by this criminal and has his mind set to fight back against the man who seems to be Teflon to the law.
Good book but the subject matter may be difficult for some. Read with caution.
3 stars
This is a tough novel to read as it deals with sensitive subjects dealing with domestic violence and sexual assault.
This book starts when a horrible man who was so wonderful in the beginning of a relationship shows his true colors to a young woman.
Although she turns to the police she is not victorious in court. This man is free and able to speak badly of the victim.
A local police officer who is on the verge of retirement decides to take matters into his hands. He is sickened by this criminal and has his mind set to fight back against the man who seems to be Teflon to the law.
Good book but the subject matter may be difficult for some. Read with caution.
3 stars
January 2, 2026
This book was OK. It was kind of slow and overly focused on the same thing. I feel like I knew what was gonna happen as the book progressed. There was also a lot of focus on people being overweight which I thought was a little odd. I did finish the book And the ending was satisfying, but it wasn’t as good as I had hoped.
April 26, 2025
Not every love story is a fairytale romance...
I love John Nicholl's thrillers. I love their dark and disturbing nature as he draws on his experience as a police officer and child protection social worker to weave his tapestries a vivid array of deep dark colours. And yet despite their nature, they are quick easy reads easily devoured in hours...as I did this one.
This tale is different from some of his others which are more character driven by those involved rather than from the police. Whilst this too is character driven, it revolves primarily around the police perspective but with a personal touch, bringing home the dark nature of the disturbing tale.
Anna thought she had the perfect boyfriend in Mark with his good looks, his charm and his wealth, but as we see from the very first chapter he is anything but. With only a few paragraphs in we see that he is Shady by name as well as by nature. And as Anna takes her allegations to the police and then to court we are left wondering what hope does she have up against him?
She said no. Mark doesn't take no. Ever. He wants what he wants and he knows he will get away with it - again. He always does. He played her like a fiddle. Lured her in with his good looks and charm, showering her with gifts, and was the perfect boyfriend. Until he wasn't. Until he turned nasty and wanted what he felt was rightfully his to take whether she consented or not. Let her report him. Let her tell her story. No one will believe her. Not with her word against his, an upstanding businessman.
DS Ray Lewis has walked beside Anna from the moment she came in to file her report against Shady. He knows what type of person he is and knows he will not stop. He needs to be stopped but proving rape is notoriously difficult. And Shady was a slippery fish that could talk his way out of anything. None of the allegations against him have stuck thus far so in the eyes of the law he has no criminal record. But Ray knows different. And he knows what Shady is capable of. Particularly when Anna reveals a secret that she never let on before the trial, giving Ray even more reason to be concerned.
What's even worse - Shady has a new girlfriend. The daughter of a colleague of Ray's and he fears for the girl's safety. Shady is a monster who needs to be locked up but until they can nail him and get him off the streets, Ray and his colleagues can only sit by and wait for him to make a mistake.
But then Shady makes things personal and it takes all of Ray's strength not to react. He knows he is goading him for a reaction. But then he gets some frightening photos in the post. And suddenly all bets are off.
This is an incredibly dark and disturbing tale with an antagonist that will make your skin crawl. DI Laura Kesey returns as she pops up in each of Nicholl's standalones but I can't remember whether Ray does or not. I seem to recall him but he plays a far bigger role in this one that any other before, if so. I absolutely loved Lewis. He is an old school copper, not one for the new ways of policing but too close to retirement to jeopardise his pension.
This is a hard one to review because I don't want to give too much away but it is a tense read from start to finish. I read this in one sitting devouring it in an afternoon (dinner was put on hold until I swiped that last page). Let it be said that if you love John Nicholl's thrillers you are going to love this one. It has his dark signature all over it with a surprising, yet brilliant, end.
I would like to thank #JohnNicholl, #Netgalley and #BoldwoodBooks for an ARC of #TheBoyfriend in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
I love John Nicholl's thrillers. I love their dark and disturbing nature as he draws on his experience as a police officer and child protection social worker to weave his tapestries a vivid array of deep dark colours. And yet despite their nature, they are quick easy reads easily devoured in hours...as I did this one.
This tale is different from some of his others which are more character driven by those involved rather than from the police. Whilst this too is character driven, it revolves primarily around the police perspective but with a personal touch, bringing home the dark nature of the disturbing tale.
Anna thought she had the perfect boyfriend in Mark with his good looks, his charm and his wealth, but as we see from the very first chapter he is anything but. With only a few paragraphs in we see that he is Shady by name as well as by nature. And as Anna takes her allegations to the police and then to court we are left wondering what hope does she have up against him?
She said no. Mark doesn't take no. Ever. He wants what he wants and he knows he will get away with it - again. He always does. He played her like a fiddle. Lured her in with his good looks and charm, showering her with gifts, and was the perfect boyfriend. Until he wasn't. Until he turned nasty and wanted what he felt was rightfully his to take whether she consented or not. Let her report him. Let her tell her story. No one will believe her. Not with her word against his, an upstanding businessman.
DS Ray Lewis has walked beside Anna from the moment she came in to file her report against Shady. He knows what type of person he is and knows he will not stop. He needs to be stopped but proving rape is notoriously difficult. And Shady was a slippery fish that could talk his way out of anything. None of the allegations against him have stuck thus far so in the eyes of the law he has no criminal record. But Ray knows different. And he knows what Shady is capable of. Particularly when Anna reveals a secret that she never let on before the trial, giving Ray even more reason to be concerned.
What's even worse - Shady has a new girlfriend. The daughter of a colleague of Ray's and he fears for the girl's safety. Shady is a monster who needs to be locked up but until they can nail him and get him off the streets, Ray and his colleagues can only sit by and wait for him to make a mistake.
But then Shady makes things personal and it takes all of Ray's strength not to react. He knows he is goading him for a reaction. But then he gets some frightening photos in the post. And suddenly all bets are off.
This is an incredibly dark and disturbing tale with an antagonist that will make your skin crawl. DI Laura Kesey returns as she pops up in each of Nicholl's standalones but I can't remember whether Ray does or not. I seem to recall him but he plays a far bigger role in this one that any other before, if so. I absolutely loved Lewis. He is an old school copper, not one for the new ways of policing but too close to retirement to jeopardise his pension.
This is a hard one to review because I don't want to give too much away but it is a tense read from start to finish. I read this in one sitting devouring it in an afternoon (dinner was put on hold until I swiped that last page). Let it be said that if you love John Nicholl's thrillers you are going to love this one. It has his dark signature all over it with a surprising, yet brilliant, end.
I would like to thank #JohnNicholl, #Netgalley and #BoldwoodBooks for an ARC of #TheBoyfriend in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
October 6, 2025
The Boyfriend is a dark and disturbing psychological thriller that dives deep into the horrors of coercive control and emotional abuse. The story follows Anna, a kind and trusting woman who meets Mark, a man who seems too good to be true. Wealthy, charming, and attentive at first, Mark quickly reveals himself to be manipulative, controlling, and violent. What starts as romance turns into a nightmare as Anna realizes she’s trapped in an abusive relationship with a predator who’s done this before. Nicholl does an excellent job capturing the suffocating tension and fear that comes with psychological abuse. Some of the scenes are genuinely hard to read, and the realism in Anna’s panic feels raw and authentic.
The investigation by DS Ray Lewis and DI Laura Kesey adds another layer to the story, showing the challenges of holding abusers accountable and how often the justice system fails survivors. Unfortunately, Mark ends up being found not guilty in court despite the overwhelming emotional toll his actions take on Anna. What makes the story even more infuriating (and believable) is that Mark uses social media to taunt both Anna and the detective afterward, gloating over his freedom and mocking the system. It’s an uncomfortable but honest look at how monsters often walk free in plain sight. The ending brings a sense of rough justice with Anna being the one to end marks life and save Ray’s daughter from being his next victim.
Where the book lost me a bit was in the villain’s portrayal and pacing. Mark’s character is chilling, but at times he feels a little too over-the-top, almost like a caricature of evil rather than a real man. The middle sections also drag, and for readers who read a lot of thrillers, many of the twists feel predictable. I wanted a little more complexity maybe insight into why Mark is the way he is or more depth from the supporting characters who seem to orbit around the main plot without much development.
Overall, I’d call The Boyfriend a solid read if you like dark psychological thrillers that explore control, fear, and survival. It’s heavy, upsetting at times, but undeniably gripping. I gave it three stars because while it’s powerful and fast-paced in moments, it doesn’t quite reach the emotional or psychological depth it could have. Still, it’s a haunting reminder that sometimes the scariest monsters are the ones who look perfect at first glance.
The investigation by DS Ray Lewis and DI Laura Kesey adds another layer to the story, showing the challenges of holding abusers accountable and how often the justice system fails survivors. Unfortunately, Mark ends up being found not guilty in court despite the overwhelming emotional toll his actions take on Anna. What makes the story even more infuriating (and believable) is that Mark uses social media to taunt both Anna and the detective afterward, gloating over his freedom and mocking the system. It’s an uncomfortable but honest look at how monsters often walk free in plain sight. The ending brings a sense of rough justice with Anna being the one to end marks life and save Ray’s daughter from being his next victim.
Where the book lost me a bit was in the villain’s portrayal and pacing. Mark’s character is chilling, but at times he feels a little too over-the-top, almost like a caricature of evil rather than a real man. The middle sections also drag, and for readers who read a lot of thrillers, many of the twists feel predictable. I wanted a little more complexity maybe insight into why Mark is the way he is or more depth from the supporting characters who seem to orbit around the main plot without much development.
Overall, I’d call The Boyfriend a solid read if you like dark psychological thrillers that explore control, fear, and survival. It’s heavy, upsetting at times, but undeniably gripping. I gave it three stars because while it’s powerful and fast-paced in moments, it doesn’t quite reach the emotional or psychological depth it could have. Still, it’s a haunting reminder that sometimes the scariest monsters are the ones who look perfect at first glance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 9, 2025
Anna loves her relationship with her boyfriend, Mark. He’s tall and handsome … but Mark has extremely dangerous secrets and Anna manages to flee from him when the truth comes out.
DS Ray Lewis wants Mark in prison, but somehow, Mark gets away with his behaviour, making him seem invincible.
DI Laura Kesey is Ray’s boss as well as his friend, they work well together. Kesey wants evidence to get Mark off the streets, fearing his behaviour is going to get steadily worse.
What a dark psychological thriller this story is. It wasn’t an easy book to read but I found myself being pulled back into the story.
I liked Ray’s character, he might have been nearing retirement, as well as being a cynical man, but he cared about people.
My heart went out to Anna and the other women in the story. Anna’s bravery and strength showed through the writing.
This is a chilling and tragic tale about secrets, grooming, and revenge.
Be prepared to sit up until the early hours reading this book as once you’re in its clutches, you’re going nowhere until you’ve finished it.
My thanks to the author and Boldwood Books for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
DS Ray Lewis wants Mark in prison, but somehow, Mark gets away with his behaviour, making him seem invincible.
DI Laura Kesey is Ray’s boss as well as his friend, they work well together. Kesey wants evidence to get Mark off the streets, fearing his behaviour is going to get steadily worse.
What a dark psychological thriller this story is. It wasn’t an easy book to read but I found myself being pulled back into the story.
I liked Ray’s character, he might have been nearing retirement, as well as being a cynical man, but he cared about people.
My heart went out to Anna and the other women in the story. Anna’s bravery and strength showed through the writing.
This is a chilling and tragic tale about secrets, grooming, and revenge.
Be prepared to sit up until the early hours reading this book as once you’re in its clutches, you’re going nowhere until you’ve finished it.
My thanks to the author and Boldwood Books for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
April 16, 2025
Anna thinks shes found the perfect guy. hes sweet and attentive. Showering her with gifts and affection, until one day he isn't. He turns and rapes her.
When it goes to court and he gets away with it for the third time, Mark Shady truly thinks hes untouchable. A more vile character in all of fiction you'll struggle to find. Arrogant, narcissistic, psycho.
The story rattles along quickly and there are some great moments that took me by surprise.
Ray is the detective trying to solve the case, and I thought he was a great character. Old school but with morals. I liked Anna as well.
This is well written and was difficult to put down. I loved the way it all came together at the end. A real creepy and engrossing thriller.
When it goes to court and he gets away with it for the third time, Mark Shady truly thinks hes untouchable. A more vile character in all of fiction you'll struggle to find. Arrogant, narcissistic, psycho.
The story rattles along quickly and there are some great moments that took me by surprise.
Ray is the detective trying to solve the case, and I thought he was a great character. Old school but with morals. I liked Anna as well.
This is well written and was difficult to put down. I loved the way it all came together at the end. A real creepy and engrossing thriller.
April 4, 2025
I really wanted to enjoy this but it just wasn’t my favorite. It felt like way too much of the book was dialogue about the same thing over and over & really could be condensed into something shorter or developed more so that the plot and twists are more about the story and less about hyper focusing on Mark Shady and his MO.
March 11, 2025
Another excellent book from this author which kept me involved in the storyline from the beginning until the end.
A very twisty and dark read, good characters and a superb ending with everything brought to a satisfactory conclusion.
I can certainly recommend this book.
A very twisty and dark read, good characters and a superb ending with everything brought to a satisfactory conclusion.
I can certainly recommend this book.
April 14, 2025
Firstly thank you to @theboldbookclub for giving me the chance to read this brilliant book. I’ve now found a new favourite author. This is a gripping thriller that keeps you wanting more. Great characters and a great suspense storyline. Would recommend a read.
November 7, 2025
dnf . had a hard time especially with the strong opening. Just felt weird. got up 2 the first 10 chapters and gave up hoping for something better
January 15, 2026
just weird, where does this author get his inspiration??
April 3, 2025
Mark Shady is the epitome of the perfect boyfriend, he's handsome, charming, charismatic and a true gentleman, until he's not, because that is all a facade to draw in the ladies, which Anna finds out to her detriment when things turn sour and he shows his true colours when he turns nasty, attacks her and then discards her, she slowly starts to rebuild her life but the next girl may not escape this evil psychopath. DS Raymond Lewis is determined to nail him before that happens.
The Boyfriend is the latest thriller by Nicholl and my first by this author. This is a fast paced read with short chapters and a well written plot. It's a dark, chilling and, at times, very uncomfortable read with some graphic detail which is definitely not for the faint hearted. I took an instant dislike to Shady, with his egotistical attitude towards women really getting under my skin and I couldn't wait for the loveable Lewis to deliver his comeuppance and wipe that smirk off his face. I felt desperately for Anna and the women that came after her, how could he continue to evade punishment, it was surely only a matter of time before someone gained retribution. This is a powerful read from a new to me author, which I highly recommend and I look forward to reading more of his work.
I'd like to thank Boldwood Books and Netgalley for inviting me to read this, I will post my review on Goodreads now and Amazon on publication day.
The Boyfriend is the latest thriller by Nicholl and my first by this author. This is a fast paced read with short chapters and a well written plot. It's a dark, chilling and, at times, very uncomfortable read with some graphic detail which is definitely not for the faint hearted. I took an instant dislike to Shady, with his egotistical attitude towards women really getting under my skin and I couldn't wait for the loveable Lewis to deliver his comeuppance and wipe that smirk off his face. I felt desperately for Anna and the women that came after her, how could he continue to evade punishment, it was surely only a matter of time before someone gained retribution. This is a powerful read from a new to me author, which I highly recommend and I look forward to reading more of his work.
I'd like to thank Boldwood Books and Netgalley for inviting me to read this, I will post my review on Goodreads now and Amazon on publication day.
March 22, 2025
What a great psychological thriller. John Nicholl knows how to get you to love and hate the characters, great twist. And the ending kinda made me emotional. I loved everything about this book
Thanks to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for an early release of this book.
Thanks to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for an early release of this book.
April 15, 2025
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for this review copy.
The Boyfriend is a disturbing psychological thriller that explores the dark side of charm, control, and obsession. While the premise is chilling and definitely had the potential to be a page-turner, I found this one to be a bit of a mixed bag.
We follow Anna, who is swept off her feet by the seemingly perfect Mark—wealthy, attentive, and full of romantic gestures. But things take a sinister turn as the mask begins to slip, revealing a controlling, dangerous man with far more than emotional manipulation in his arsenal. The concept is gripping and sadly believable, making for a haunting read that reminds us how predators can hide in plain sight.
What worked for me was the raw, unsettling look into coercive control and psychological abuse. Nicholl doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of toxic relationships, and the theme of how trauma can follow victims long after the relationship ends is handled with sensitivity. Anna’s fear and emotional torment felt authentic, and there were moments when I genuinely rooted for her.
That said, I had a few issues that kept this from being a higher-rated read. First, the plot felt quite linear and predictable—I could see the major twists coming from early on. Mark is portrayed as such an over-the-top villain that he sometimes felt more like a caricature than a real person, which made it harder for me to stay immersed. I also wanted more depth from the side characters, especially the women who came after Anna—there was room to explore their stories, but the book stayed pretty surface-level.
All in all, The Boyfriend is a decent, dark thriller with a relevant theme and some truly chilling moments, but it lacks the complexity and emotional punch I was hoping for. A quick read.
https://featzreviews.com/the-boyfrien...
The Boyfriend is a disturbing psychological thriller that explores the dark side of charm, control, and obsession. While the premise is chilling and definitely had the potential to be a page-turner, I found this one to be a bit of a mixed bag.
We follow Anna, who is swept off her feet by the seemingly perfect Mark—wealthy, attentive, and full of romantic gestures. But things take a sinister turn as the mask begins to slip, revealing a controlling, dangerous man with far more than emotional manipulation in his arsenal. The concept is gripping and sadly believable, making for a haunting read that reminds us how predators can hide in plain sight.
What worked for me was the raw, unsettling look into coercive control and psychological abuse. Nicholl doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of toxic relationships, and the theme of how trauma can follow victims long after the relationship ends is handled with sensitivity. Anna’s fear and emotional torment felt authentic, and there were moments when I genuinely rooted for her.
That said, I had a few issues that kept this from being a higher-rated read. First, the plot felt quite linear and predictable—I could see the major twists coming from early on. Mark is portrayed as such an over-the-top villain that he sometimes felt more like a caricature than a real person, which made it harder for me to stay immersed. I also wanted more depth from the side characters, especially the women who came after Anna—there was room to explore their stories, but the book stayed pretty surface-level.
All in all, The Boyfriend is a decent, dark thriller with a relevant theme and some truly chilling moments, but it lacks the complexity and emotional punch I was hoping for. A quick read.
https://featzreviews.com/the-boyfrien...
March 29, 2025
Anna Edwards boyfriend does to her what no woman should go through, Mark Shady thinks he can get away with it, detective Sergeant Raymond Lewis helps Anna to get justice but Sadley not. but Raymond will not stop until he gets Mark behind bars. a very addictive read
April 25, 2025
This story revolves around a misogynistic, sadistic rapist and the attempts of the police, particularly DS Ray Lewis, to bring him to justice. Writing about sexual violence is a delicate business for anyone, but perhaps especially for male authors. It's hard to get it right, and unfortunately I don't think John Nicholl has got anywhere near succeeding. The very beginning of the book opens with a painful scene - no warning, no build up, just shock value. And that's just the beginning. It gets worse, with some deeply unpleasant and gratuitous scenes which had I known, I wouldn't have started the book. The blurb doesn't really reflect the content.
The villain is called Mark Shady (seriously? Why not just call him Mark Predator and have done with it?) He's meant to be charming and convincing, but his taunting, childish social media posts after being found not guilty of rape would make it obvious to anyone with half a brain cell that he's a wrong 'un. (Also, I really don't think young people use Facebook much these days.) We see little evidence of his charm and ability to come across like the perfect boyfriend to numerous women, other than that he's good-looking.
(Also. Does any woman - any British woman - actually use the word "panties", as Anna does here?)
There's a lot of "telling" here - we know exactly what everyone is thinking and feeling all the time. There's also a lot of unnecessary detail, even of the harmless kind. I don't need to know the exact decor of the living room Lewis sits in to speak to a victim - it's not relevant, I don't care what colour their armchairs are.
Police officer Ray is a decent guy, though I wish he'd stop saying "the Edwards girl" - how hard is it to give her her actual name? He's overweight, which we know because it's constantly hammered home. (He can't be allowed to just pick up the phone. No, he has to do it with "fat sausage fingers".)
Overall I wish I hadn't read it. I know - we all know - there are sick bastards out there who want to harm and kill women. Doesn't mean I want to know all their thoughts about what they're going to do, how they're going to do it, and how much fun it's going to be. Let alone all their thoughts while they're actually doing it. That's not something I find entertaining. And there are some extremely nasty scenes here, particularly involving one young woman whose fate seems to have been forgotten about by the end.
I appreciate all advance copies and always try to read the whole book in order to give a fair and honest review. I struggled through this book, but I didn't enjoy it and honestly wished I hadn't bothered.
The villain is called Mark Shady (seriously? Why not just call him Mark Predator and have done with it?) He's meant to be charming and convincing, but his taunting, childish social media posts after being found not guilty of rape would make it obvious to anyone with half a brain cell that he's a wrong 'un. (Also, I really don't think young people use Facebook much these days.) We see little evidence of his charm and ability to come across like the perfect boyfriend to numerous women, other than that he's good-looking.
(Also. Does any woman - any British woman - actually use the word "panties", as Anna does here?)
There's a lot of "telling" here - we know exactly what everyone is thinking and feeling all the time. There's also a lot of unnecessary detail, even of the harmless kind. I don't need to know the exact decor of the living room Lewis sits in to speak to a victim - it's not relevant, I don't care what colour their armchairs are.
Police officer Ray is a decent guy, though I wish he'd stop saying "the Edwards girl" - how hard is it to give her her actual name? He's overweight, which we know because it's constantly hammered home. (He can't be allowed to just pick up the phone. No, he has to do it with "fat sausage fingers".)
Overall I wish I hadn't read it. I know - we all know - there are sick bastards out there who want to harm and kill women. Doesn't mean I want to know all their thoughts about what they're going to do, how they're going to do it, and how much fun it's going to be. Let alone all their thoughts while they're actually doing it. That's not something I find entertaining. And there are some extremely nasty scenes here, particularly involving one young woman whose fate seems to have been forgotten about by the end.
I appreciate all advance copies and always try to read the whole book in order to give a fair and honest review. I struggled through this book, but I didn't enjoy it and honestly wished I hadn't bothered.
March 27, 2025
TW scenes depicting SA, mentions of SA
Thank you to Boldwood Books & NetGalley for approving my request for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book follows the aftermath of a court verdict of Mark Shady winning against his victim of SA, Anna. Anna, distraught by the outcome and feeling like she trusted the authority for nothing starts to blame the system for enabling criminals like Shady. The cop, Ray Lewis, tries to reason with her to not lose hope but Anna is done. Now, Shady has moved onto his next victim, a daughter of one of the police force and Lewis’ close friend. Lewis would do anything to put Shady finally behind bars and be prosecuted for his crimes but would the system ever side with the victims?
Okay, I tried very hard to write the synopsis as how I felt reading it. This book is more like a true crime rather than a psychological thriller (in my opinion). I wished I knew this before going in so I know what to expect. First, it opens with an SA scene right away –which totally caught me off guard so I think TW would be necessary. About 50% of the book is filled with only dialogues basically about Anna, Mark Shady and his MOs and the police officers, mainly Ray Lewis. To be honest, it was hard to push through the 50% of the book because of so much ‘telling’ and no ‘showing’. Information are being fed to you about Shady, how he lures his victims and what he does to them. Then, about his background and some little interviews with Anna, and Lewis’ discussion about the case with Kesey (his superior). It’s not much, but it drags on and on and on. I also have some comments about the writing –which is great but too much descriptions of insignificant details. The story starts to pick up once it hit the 65% mark (which is way past half of the book & could put off some readers).
[minor spoilers ahead]
When the plot finallllly starts having a mystery, it piqued my interest, it starts the moment Shady’s place burned down. So you are left wondering who did it? I will say, idk how I didn’t think of the identity of the culprit whilst listing down the perp in my head lmao. Then, the kidnapping and the incidents that occur after that it was genuinely scary and to think that these horrors could’ve been prevented if the system had protected the victims more instead of the criminals! It was jarring and eye-opening.
The ending is satisfying to me. I think everyone got what they deserve though I wish we could know more (in the last chapter) about some other characters like Lewis’ friend, Daisy and public’s reaction with the reveal, and also Kesey’s live reaction because she doubted Lewis the most!!!!
Examples of the sentences: ‘..he said to himself as he parked, switched off the engine, and pulled up the handbrake’ , ‘he perched the spectacles at the halfway point of his nose before picking up the computer’ , ‘…led Lewis into a comfortable, well-furnished, pale-yellow painted lounge to the left of the hall. There, he was invited to sit on one of the two tan leather armchairs located to either side of a three-seater sofa festooned with variously coloured cushions. There was a roaring matt-black wood burner in the ancient hearth, blue-yellow flames dancing behind the glass.’
That was a mouthful and exhausting to read the first time and reread the second time…. It was a good read but the experience could be better if the author didn’t write paragraphs of paragraphs of insignificant descriptions. That’s all.
Thank you to Boldwood Books & NetGalley for approving my request for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book follows the aftermath of a court verdict of Mark Shady winning against his victim of SA, Anna. Anna, distraught by the outcome and feeling like she trusted the authority for nothing starts to blame the system for enabling criminals like Shady. The cop, Ray Lewis, tries to reason with her to not lose hope but Anna is done. Now, Shady has moved onto his next victim, a daughter of one of the police force and Lewis’ close friend. Lewis would do anything to put Shady finally behind bars and be prosecuted for his crimes but would the system ever side with the victims?
Okay, I tried very hard to write the synopsis as how I felt reading it. This book is more like a true crime rather than a psychological thriller (in my opinion). I wished I knew this before going in so I know what to expect. First, it opens with an SA scene right away –which totally caught me off guard so I think TW would be necessary. About 50% of the book is filled with only dialogues basically about Anna, Mark Shady and his MOs and the police officers, mainly Ray Lewis. To be honest, it was hard to push through the 50% of the book because of so much ‘telling’ and no ‘showing’. Information are being fed to you about Shady, how he lures his victims and what he does to them. Then, about his background and some little interviews with Anna, and Lewis’ discussion about the case with Kesey (his superior). It’s not much, but it drags on and on and on. I also have some comments about the writing –which is great but too much descriptions of insignificant details. The story starts to pick up once it hit the 65% mark (which is way past half of the book & could put off some readers).
[minor spoilers ahead]
When the plot finallllly starts having a mystery, it piqued my interest, it starts the moment Shady’s place burned down. So you are left wondering who did it? I will say, idk how I didn’t think of the identity of the culprit whilst listing down the perp in my head lmao. Then, the kidnapping and the incidents that occur after that it was genuinely scary and to think that these horrors could’ve been prevented if the system had protected the victims more instead of the criminals! It was jarring and eye-opening.
The ending is satisfying to me. I think everyone got what they deserve though I wish we could know more (in the last chapter) about some other characters like Lewis’ friend, Daisy and public’s reaction with the reveal, and also Kesey’s live reaction because she doubted Lewis the most!!!!
Examples of the sentences: ‘..he said to himself as he parked, switched off the engine, and pulled up the handbrake’ , ‘he perched the spectacles at the halfway point of his nose before picking up the computer’ , ‘…led Lewis into a comfortable, well-furnished, pale-yellow painted lounge to the left of the hall. There, he was invited to sit on one of the two tan leather armchairs located to either side of a three-seater sofa festooned with variously coloured cushions. There was a roaring matt-black wood burner in the ancient hearth, blue-yellow flames dancing behind the glass.’
That was a mouthful and exhausting to read the first time and reread the second time…. It was a good read but the experience could be better if the author didn’t write paragraphs of paragraphs of insignificant descriptions. That’s all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 9, 2025
I have read a lot of psychological thrillers in the past year or two. I discovered a love of thrillers - especially psychological ones - and hit the ground running. In fact, I've read so many lately, I've been thinking I should probably take a little break and read something else for my mental health. And, this one was one of the darker ones! So, if that's what you're into, definitely pick this one up! I can't promise a page-long list of content warnings like some of the famous dark romances that have made the circuit lately, but it definitely has its warnings. And it is filled to the brim with darkness and an absolutely devious villain that made me more than a little ill.
The breadth to write such a dark villain alongside loving fathers, mothers, detectives, etc., always amazes me. But then, dark villains belong to people in some way. Sometimes they are fathers, mothers, sisters, or brothers. They sometimes fit into lives when they're not being devious. And sometimes they don't do a good job of fooling people.
I really enjoyed the big twist at the end of this one, and I also really enjoyed the character growth and development we saw for the detective. It's not an uncommon trope, but I appreciate the unique style and turn this author took this story on. This is not a cozy mystery by any stretch of the imagination. It is a gritty, dark story exploring some of the worst humanity has to offer, exploring those who live and work in that world.
It was an intense read at times, and is definitely not for the faint of heart. It included scenes of kidnapping, SA, death, and more. So, be sure to check CWs before reading. I will definitely look for more by him.
Who’s It For?
If you enjoy very dark, twisty, turny psychological thrillers, then this is a great read for you. But because of the nature of the read, you must check out the content warnings before reading to ensure that you take care of your mental health!
Content Warnings: This book contains topics that may disturb some readers, including, but not limited to, Sexual Assault, Kidnapping, Violence, Murder, Necrophilia, Gross Miscarriage of Justice, Vigilante Justice, Corrupt Police, and More.
The breadth to write such a dark villain alongside loving fathers, mothers, detectives, etc., always amazes me. But then, dark villains belong to people in some way. Sometimes they are fathers, mothers, sisters, or brothers. They sometimes fit into lives when they're not being devious. And sometimes they don't do a good job of fooling people.
I really enjoyed the big twist at the end of this one, and I also really enjoyed the character growth and development we saw for the detective. It's not an uncommon trope, but I appreciate the unique style and turn this author took this story on. This is not a cozy mystery by any stretch of the imagination. It is a gritty, dark story exploring some of the worst humanity has to offer, exploring those who live and work in that world.
It was an intense read at times, and is definitely not for the faint of heart. It included scenes of kidnapping, SA, death, and more. So, be sure to check CWs before reading. I will definitely look for more by him.
Who’s It For?
If you enjoy very dark, twisty, turny psychological thrillers, then this is a great read for you. But because of the nature of the read, you must check out the content warnings before reading to ensure that you take care of your mental health!
Content Warnings: This book contains topics that may disturb some readers, including, but not limited to, Sexual Assault, Kidnapping, Violence, Murder, Necrophilia, Gross Miscarriage of Justice, Vigilante Justice, Corrupt Police, and More.
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