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The Surgeon
Don't miss this completely gripping psychological thriller from John Nicholl! Perfect for fans of Daniel Hurst, TM Logan and Frieda McFadden and full of twists! 📚
Your life is in his hands… Exactly where he wants it 👀 When an eminent surgeon is arrested for murder, he knows he didn’t do it. He knows what it’s like to feel a person die on his operating table, but he didn’t inflict the wounds that ended the life of the girl they say he killed.
So, when the real perpetrator comes forward, and he is released, he feels vindicated.
What nobody knows – not the officer who arrested him, nor the influencer who petitioned for his freedom, nor the girl who escaped a killer years before – is that while he was incarcerated, he was making a plan.
Because revenge is sweet. But murder is sweeter…
A totally twisty, unhinged and gripping suspense thriller that fans of Daniel Hurst, TM Logan and Frieda McFadden won’t be able to put down.
Your life is in his hands… Exactly where he wants it 👀 When an eminent surgeon is arrested for murder, he knows he didn’t do it. He knows what it’s like to feel a person die on his operating table, but he didn’t inflict the wounds that ended the life of the girl they say he killed.
So, when the real perpetrator comes forward, and he is released, he feels vindicated.
What nobody knows – not the officer who arrested him, nor the influencer who petitioned for his freedom, nor the girl who escaped a killer years before – is that while he was incarcerated, he was making a plan.
Because revenge is sweet. But murder is sweeter…
A totally twisty, unhinged and gripping suspense thriller that fans of Daniel Hurst, TM Logan and Frieda McFadden won’t be able to put down.
266 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 19, 2025
314 people are currently reading
315 people want to read
About the author
John Nicholl
26 books2,022 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 133 reviews
August 14, 2025
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, John Nicholl, and Boldwood Books for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
Always eager to explore the writing of John Nicholl, which is full of exciting twists, I gladly reached for this ARC. After an odd admission by another about a murder five years ago, a well-known surgeon who has been in jail is released. The authorities are baffled as to how and why this new man has admitted being involved, but it is when a woman with some history of mental illness goes missing that suspicions arise. Has the surgeon gone back to his old ways? John Nicholl impresses once more with this piece.
Professor Aiken is popular surgeon who loves the feel of having life in his hands. He knows the power that brings, but also the fragility. When Professor Aiken is arrested for murdering a girl, he is flummoxed, vowing his innocence. It falls on deaf ears and After conviction, he is locked away for years.
When a woman enters the West Wales police dispatch and says her husband is the actual killer, no one can believe it. Professor Aiken is released after new evidence emerges. As Professor Aiken vows his innocence once more, he has other plans to fill his time, something that he has been waiting five years to finish. He soon targets a young woman with some mental health issues, capturing her for his own experimentation. She eluded his scalpel before, but he won’t let her get away again.
Enter DI Kesey and her newly promoted DC Nicholl. They have been following the case of the missing woman and all evidence points to the professor. While they want to make an arrest, or at least probe more, the higher-ups, still stinging from the false imprisonment, want nothing to do with it. DI Kesey and DC Nicholl will have to act fast and ensure they capture the suspect, while risking things blowing up amongst their superiors. Nicholl offers a great thriller that reads swiftly.
John Nicholl has long been an author who has impressed me with his writing, be it a series or standalone. With this novel, Nicholl develops a strong narrative that he uses throughout to forge a captivating piece full of action. He multiple perspectives adds another depth to the already-strong piece. Great characters emerge and develop, perfect for those readers who have read much of Nicholl’s work and will recognise some names. Plot points provide eager aspects that had me reading chapter upon chapter, if only to get answers as the surprises mounted. Another great piece by John Nicholl that I could read with ease.
Kudos, Mr. Nicholl, for a thriller that packed a punch.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at: http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Always eager to explore the writing of John Nicholl, which is full of exciting twists, I gladly reached for this ARC. After an odd admission by another about a murder five years ago, a well-known surgeon who has been in jail is released. The authorities are baffled as to how and why this new man has admitted being involved, but it is when a woman with some history of mental illness goes missing that suspicions arise. Has the surgeon gone back to his old ways? John Nicholl impresses once more with this piece.
Professor Aiken is popular surgeon who loves the feel of having life in his hands. He knows the power that brings, but also the fragility. When Professor Aiken is arrested for murdering a girl, he is flummoxed, vowing his innocence. It falls on deaf ears and After conviction, he is locked away for years.
When a woman enters the West Wales police dispatch and says her husband is the actual killer, no one can believe it. Professor Aiken is released after new evidence emerges. As Professor Aiken vows his innocence once more, he has other plans to fill his time, something that he has been waiting five years to finish. He soon targets a young woman with some mental health issues, capturing her for his own experimentation. She eluded his scalpel before, but he won’t let her get away again.
Enter DI Kesey and her newly promoted DC Nicholl. They have been following the case of the missing woman and all evidence points to the professor. While they want to make an arrest, or at least probe more, the higher-ups, still stinging from the false imprisonment, want nothing to do with it. DI Kesey and DC Nicholl will have to act fast and ensure they capture the suspect, while risking things blowing up amongst their superiors. Nicholl offers a great thriller that reads swiftly.
John Nicholl has long been an author who has impressed me with his writing, be it a series or standalone. With this novel, Nicholl develops a strong narrative that he uses throughout to forge a captivating piece full of action. He multiple perspectives adds another depth to the already-strong piece. Great characters emerge and develop, perfect for those readers who have read much of Nicholl’s work and will recognise some names. Plot points provide eager aspects that had me reading chapter upon chapter, if only to get answers as the surprises mounted. Another great piece by John Nicholl that I could read with ease.
Kudos, Mr. Nicholl, for a thriller that packed a punch.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at: http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
October 14, 2025
A surgeon is in prison for a crime he didn't commit of a murder of a young woman.. The real culprit confesses to this crime to his wife she reports him and is arrested for his crime...on release the surgeon wants revenge...I enjoy this authors books as they are gritty and thrilling but this one missed the mark as not any twists or turns or thrilling moments...still looking forward to reading more of his books...
October 23, 2025
Dr. Alexander Aitken was simply insane! There’s no other words to describe him. The story follows a calculating k!ller whose twisted motives continue to be revealed as the pages continue. As Aitken sits in jail for a crime he didn’t commit, he plots his revenge & is determined to see it through.
Hearing the story told between alternating perspectives kept me guessing about how everyone’s story would unfold. There are quite a few POVs so please note that if you don’t enjoy those as much. From the k!ller, to the victim, detective, victim’s sister, detective’s significant other, etc. I personally enjoyed this.
The tension is slowly built, as John Nicholl describes these disturbing details from these complex characters. He has a very unique writing style and this is my second read by this author. So far, I’m intrigued enough to continue. Thank you Boldwood Books and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy.
Publication 🗓️ : 10.19.25
Hearing the story told between alternating perspectives kept me guessing about how everyone’s story would unfold. There are quite a few POVs so please note that if you don’t enjoy those as much. From the k!ller, to the victim, detective, victim’s sister, detective’s significant other, etc. I personally enjoyed this.
The tension is slowly built, as John Nicholl describes these disturbing details from these complex characters. He has a very unique writing style and this is my second read by this author. So far, I’m intrigued enough to continue. Thank you Boldwood Books and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy.
Publication 🗓️ : 10.19.25
October 21, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for provinding an ARC of The Surgeon by John Nicholl in exchange for honest feedback.
So I will say I did really enjoy this book and definitely recommend giving it a chance. The writing style was smooth and bingeable, and the pacing was perfect.
With that said, it is not your typical thriller with a big twist or reveal at the end. You are hearing the story from all perspectives - including the villain - from start to finish. This was a refreshing deviation from my typical style and I thought it was an interesting take to see both sides unfolding in tandem. My only issue was that it left the ending feeling a bit underwhelming since I was able to see everything coming.
Since this was my first title by this author, I am unsure if this is how he structures all of his thrillers, however, I definitely plan to read more from his catalog to find out!
So I will say I did really enjoy this book and definitely recommend giving it a chance. The writing style was smooth and bingeable, and the pacing was perfect.
With that said, it is not your typical thriller with a big twist or reveal at the end. You are hearing the story from all perspectives - including the villain - from start to finish. This was a refreshing deviation from my typical style and I thought it was an interesting take to see both sides unfolding in tandem. My only issue was that it left the ending feeling a bit underwhelming since I was able to see everything coming.
Since this was my first title by this author, I am unsure if this is how he structures all of his thrillers, however, I definitely plan to read more from his catalog to find out!
September 16, 2025
THE SURGEON 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)
The Surgeon (2025)
This is my review of The Surgeon.
Professor Sir Alexander Aitken was a consultant surgeon at the Welsh Hospital. They called him evil, and he has been in jail for almost five years. He admits he is in for a crime he didn’t commit. He didn’t kill Holly Larkin.
So, when the real perpetrator comes forward, and he is released, he feels vindicated.
But while in was in jail he was just counting the hours until his release where he will instigate his revenge. He had a plan…
The surgeon reviews in his mind the faces of those that had wronged him, and will be subject of his revenge-Megan-his 1st victim that had escaped and DI Laura Kesey. These were to be his Lab Rats and everything would be documented in the name of medical science.
The depth of the characters is enriched through alternating chapters devoted to providing background information that supports the development of these characters.
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 October 19, 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)
The Surgeon (2025)
This is my review of The Surgeon.
Professor Sir Alexander Aitken was a consultant surgeon at the Welsh Hospital. They called him evil, and he has been in jail for almost five years. He admits he is in for a crime he didn’t commit. He didn’t kill Holly Larkin.
So, when the real perpetrator comes forward, and he is released, he feels vindicated.
But while in was in jail he was just counting the hours until his release where he will instigate his revenge. He had a plan…
The surgeon reviews in his mind the faces of those that had wronged him, and will be subject of his revenge-Megan-his 1st victim that had escaped and DI Laura Kesey. These were to be his Lab Rats and everything would be documented in the name of medical science.
The depth of the characters is enriched through alternating chapters devoted to providing background information that supports the development of these characters.
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 October 19, 2025
September 20, 2025
3.75 ⭐️
The Surgeon was a tense psychological thriller! It centered on a respected surgeon who found himself accused of murdering a young woman. Though he knew he didn’t inflict the fatal injuries, he still felt the sting of loss while he was trying to save her in the operating room. When the true killer was revealed and he was cleared of the charges, his name was restored—but his conscience was not. What no one realized, it was not the detective who arrested him, the celebrity influencer, or the survivor of a similar attack—it was during his time in prison, the surgeon had been quietly planning his revenge.
I thoroughly enjoyed John Nicholl’s dark, direct, and fast-paced writing style, which placed a strong emphasis on psychological tension and quickly drew me into the minds of his characters—especially those with morally complex or sinister motives. His prose was accessible yet infused with gritty realism.
There were definite strengths as well as drawbacks. I appreciated the brisk, addictive pace, with short, tightly plotted chapters that kept the tension high. Nicholl delivered plenty of twists and psychological depth, adding authenticity to the criminal and procedural elements while keeping me fully engaged. Conversely, some scenes were quite graphic and unsettling, and the cast leaned toward morally dark characters, making it harder for me to form an emotional connection with them. While the suspense remained strong, a few familiar thriller tropes and the rapid pacing occasionally limited deeper character and thematic development. Even so, I was fully immersed in this riveting psychological thriller. Altogether, I’m glad to have discovered John Nicholl and look forward to reading more of his dark, twisted thrillers.
So grateful to Net Galley and Boldwood Books for an advance copy in return for my review.
The Surgeon was a tense psychological thriller! It centered on a respected surgeon who found himself accused of murdering a young woman. Though he knew he didn’t inflict the fatal injuries, he still felt the sting of loss while he was trying to save her in the operating room. When the true killer was revealed and he was cleared of the charges, his name was restored—but his conscience was not. What no one realized, it was not the detective who arrested him, the celebrity influencer, or the survivor of a similar attack—it was during his time in prison, the surgeon had been quietly planning his revenge.
I thoroughly enjoyed John Nicholl’s dark, direct, and fast-paced writing style, which placed a strong emphasis on psychological tension and quickly drew me into the minds of his characters—especially those with morally complex or sinister motives. His prose was accessible yet infused with gritty realism.
There were definite strengths as well as drawbacks. I appreciated the brisk, addictive pace, with short, tightly plotted chapters that kept the tension high. Nicholl delivered plenty of twists and psychological depth, adding authenticity to the criminal and procedural elements while keeping me fully engaged. Conversely, some scenes were quite graphic and unsettling, and the cast leaned toward morally dark characters, making it harder for me to form an emotional connection with them. While the suspense remained strong, a few familiar thriller tropes and the rapid pacing occasionally limited deeper character and thematic development. Even so, I was fully immersed in this riveting psychological thriller. Altogether, I’m glad to have discovered John Nicholl and look forward to reading more of his dark, twisted thrillers.
So grateful to Net Galley and Boldwood Books for an advance copy in return for my review.
November 5, 2025
More of a 3.5 but I rounded up.
September 3, 2025
I feel so happy with myself that I had the idea to request this arc and thankfully to get approved, because this baby came in handy just in time to prevent me from falling down into a reading slump and also to remind me why I like thrillers.
Our psycho surgeon was the brightest personality in the book, following his process, his view, and his calculated planning while being his self-righteous psychopathic delusional self brought me to eat this book. I could clearly see the difference between the multiple characters even if they were muted compared to the psycho.
However, the game of it, the pieces falling into place so that he could be revealed were very interesting. As a readers, we could see the restrictions and the bureaucracy playing a role in DI Kesey work and even her own perception of the situation. The mass boom of journalists sniffing blood and trying to sink their teeth into the story even if not in much details, I could see the role it played as well.
The disbelief of how to go against a man who was accused of the wrong murder, yet so many things lead to him for the missing people. The way the police is ready to overlook things simply because the sources could be considered unreliable. Everything was so nicely done and wrapped up in my mind.
I’m so happy this arc was my first book from John Nicholl.
Thank you so much NetGalley and Boldwood Books for giving me the chance to read this arc!! I appreciate it!
Our psycho surgeon was the brightest personality in the book, following his process, his view, and his calculated planning while being his self-righteous psychopathic delusional self brought me to eat this book. I could clearly see the difference between the multiple characters even if they were muted compared to the psycho.
However, the game of it, the pieces falling into place so that he could be revealed were very interesting. As a readers, we could see the restrictions and the bureaucracy playing a role in DI Kesey work and even her own perception of the situation. The mass boom of journalists sniffing blood and trying to sink their teeth into the story even if not in much details, I could see the role it played as well.
The disbelief of how to go against a man who was accused of the wrong murder, yet so many things lead to him for the missing people. The way the police is ready to overlook things simply because the sources could be considered unreliable. Everything was so nicely done and wrapped up in my mind.
I’m so happy this arc was my first book from John Nicholl.
Thank you so much NetGalley and Boldwood Books for giving me the chance to read this arc!! I appreciate it!
October 23, 2025
3 stars
I struggled to get into the book to begin with and it did get better after about 30%. There was too many characters introduced so at times it was hard to keep up at times and some of the chapters especially at the beginning were too long.
John Nicholl did a good job of making you hate the surgeon who thought everyone was beneath him and he was god.
I struggled to get into the book to begin with and it did get better after about 30%. There was too many characters introduced so at times it was hard to keep up at times and some of the chapters especially at the beginning were too long.
John Nicholl did a good job of making you hate the surgeon who thought everyone was beneath him and he was god.
October 23, 2025
The Surgeon by John Nicholl.
I love this author. This is the ninth book I've read by him. I love the cover and blurb of this book. I got into it straight away. What was different about it was that you heard from everyone. Alexander, Laura, Bella, Meg, Ray, and Jacqueline. I loved Ray and Jacqueline. Halliday, I really didn't like. I read this in one sitting. I couldn't put it down. I did like the ending. I definitely recommend this book.
I love this author. This is the ninth book I've read by him. I love the cover and blurb of this book. I got into it straight away. What was different about it was that you heard from everyone. Alexander, Laura, Bella, Meg, Ray, and Jacqueline. I loved Ray and Jacqueline. Halliday, I really didn't like. I read this in one sitting. I couldn't put it down. I did like the ending. I definitely recommend this book.
October 22, 2025
The Surgeon has been locked up for murder. He was caught. But was he guilty.
Maybe not that time but what about others.
He’s an awful character that really makes this book. Very gripping and as the story rolls out and more become involved and it gets deeper, it was hard to put it down.
Very good author who has done it again with this great book.
Maybe not that time but what about others.
He’s an awful character that really makes this book. Very gripping and as the story rolls out and more become involved and it gets deeper, it was hard to put it down.
Very good author who has done it again with this great book.
November 6, 2025
Your life is in his hands...which is exactly where he wants it...<
Professor Alexander Aitken is one surgeon you would not like to be under, nor his scalpel. He is not like other surgeons who value their Hippocratic oath to first do no harm. When he was found by the body of murder victim Holly Larkin, her blood on his hands and his bite marks on her neck, it was naturally assumed that he was responsible for her untimely demise. And for the past five years, he has sat in prison for her murder - a death for which he was innocent in this case. But innocent was something Aitken most certainly was not. Oh, he was of Holly's murder but he was guilty of so much more than the police and the public at large were totally unaware of. And for the past five years and the months after his release once the real killer was discovered, he then spent planning his revenge. Because revenge is sweet...but murder is sweeter.
Ten years before, sixteen year old Megan Matthews was attacked on the dark streets of Tenby one evening barely escaping with her life and not before she'd been stabbed. She never saw her attacker and could never identify him but when she sees Professor Aitken on the West Wales news after his release and hears his voice, she stops. And then she sees those ice blue eyes. Her attacker wore a balaclava but she remembers those eyes and that caramel smooth voice. She takes her concerns to DI Laura Kesey who was always patient with her each time she thought she saw her attacker in the street. But this time, Megan is sure Aitken is the one.
Aitken curses himself for letting sweet little Megan go all those years ago. And she now sits at the top of his revenge list to be the first of his "lab rats" for him to study and bend at will. She will do as he says and she will feel the blade of his scalpel once again. In fact, it will be the last thing she feels and his will be the last face she sees. He will make sure of that. next on his list is Laura Kesey - the pig who put him away for a crime he clearly didn't commit. He will make sure she pays for her misdemeanour...and he has the perfect way to make that happen. He can almost taste it it is so perfect.
DI Laura Kesey was supposed to be enjoying a holiday with her wife Janet and their son Ed in Lanzarote but she couldn't leave the case of Professor Aitken behind. There was just something about it that didn't sit right. He professes his innocence but she saw the material on his computer. The man is clearly deranged and disturbed. If he is innocent of this crime, he is most certainly guilty of something else. If not now, then he will be. Of that she is sure. But when she returns home and Aitken is freed for being unjustly imprisoned for a crime he hadn't committed, Laura is intent on uncovering exactly what he is guilty of...because he is, that is for sure. But her boss has made it abundantly clear that Professor Aitken of off limits. She is not to investigate him, question him or go anywhere near him in any way, shape or form. Unfortunately for her, that leave Aitken free to his own devices...a clear recipe for disaster for both her and anyone else who gets in his way.
John Nicholl is one of my favourite authors with his gritty writing that pulls no punches in his unique style. He has the ability to draw characters that we can both sympathise and hate in equal measure. Laura Kesey is a mainstay in his standalones and I was thrilled to see her former DS Raymond Lewis return despite his retirement after events that took place in the previous book.
The chapters were a little longer I felt in this one though the book itself is a relatively quick read. Nicholl definitely knows how to paint a villain that readers love to hate. Aitken's scenes certainly do make for uncomfortable reading with disturbing scenes painted in vivid detail.
Not one of my favourite books but still a good read that packs a punch.
I would like to thank #JohnNicholl, #BoldwoodBooks and #Netgalley for an ARC of #TheSurgeon in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
Professor Alexander Aitken is one surgeon you would not like to be under, nor his scalpel. He is not like other surgeons who value their Hippocratic oath to first do no harm. When he was found by the body of murder victim Holly Larkin, her blood on his hands and his bite marks on her neck, it was naturally assumed that he was responsible for her untimely demise. And for the past five years, he has sat in prison for her murder - a death for which he was innocent in this case. But innocent was something Aitken most certainly was not. Oh, he was of Holly's murder but he was guilty of so much more than the police and the public at large were totally unaware of. And for the past five years and the months after his release once the real killer was discovered, he then spent planning his revenge. Because revenge is sweet...but murder is sweeter.
Ten years before, sixteen year old Megan Matthews was attacked on the dark streets of Tenby one evening barely escaping with her life and not before she'd been stabbed. She never saw her attacker and could never identify him but when she sees Professor Aitken on the West Wales news after his release and hears his voice, she stops. And then she sees those ice blue eyes. Her attacker wore a balaclava but she remembers those eyes and that caramel smooth voice. She takes her concerns to DI Laura Kesey who was always patient with her each time she thought she saw her attacker in the street. But this time, Megan is sure Aitken is the one.
Aitken curses himself for letting sweet little Megan go all those years ago. And she now sits at the top of his revenge list to be the first of his "lab rats" for him to study and bend at will. She will do as he says and she will feel the blade of his scalpel once again. In fact, it will be the last thing she feels and his will be the last face she sees. He will make sure of that. next on his list is Laura Kesey - the pig who put him away for a crime he clearly didn't commit. He will make sure she pays for her misdemeanour...and he has the perfect way to make that happen. He can almost taste it it is so perfect.
DI Laura Kesey was supposed to be enjoying a holiday with her wife Janet and their son Ed in Lanzarote but she couldn't leave the case of Professor Aitken behind. There was just something about it that didn't sit right. He professes his innocence but she saw the material on his computer. The man is clearly deranged and disturbed. If he is innocent of this crime, he is most certainly guilty of something else. If not now, then he will be. Of that she is sure. But when she returns home and Aitken is freed for being unjustly imprisoned for a crime he hadn't committed, Laura is intent on uncovering exactly what he is guilty of...because he is, that is for sure. But her boss has made it abundantly clear that Professor Aitken of off limits. She is not to investigate him, question him or go anywhere near him in any way, shape or form. Unfortunately for her, that leave Aitken free to his own devices...a clear recipe for disaster for both her and anyone else who gets in his way.
John Nicholl is one of my favourite authors with his gritty writing that pulls no punches in his unique style. He has the ability to draw characters that we can both sympathise and hate in equal measure. Laura Kesey is a mainstay in his standalones and I was thrilled to see her former DS Raymond Lewis return despite his retirement after events that took place in the previous book.
The chapters were a little longer I felt in this one though the book itself is a relatively quick read. Nicholl definitely knows how to paint a villain that readers love to hate. Aitken's scenes certainly do make for uncomfortable reading with disturbing scenes painted in vivid detail.
Not one of my favourite books but still a good read that packs a punch.
I would like to thank #JohnNicholl, #BoldwoodBooks and #Netgalley for an ARC of #TheSurgeon in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
October 5, 2025
"The Surgeon" is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the mind of a respected surgeon accused of murdering a young woman.
Despite knowing he didn't inflict the fatal injuries, he's haunted by the loss he experienced in the operating room. When the true killer is revealed and he's cleared, his name is restored, but his conscience is not. What no one realizes is that the surgeon, even during his time in prison, is quietly plotting his revenge against someone connected to his case. John Nicholl's dark, direct, and fast-paced writing style immediately drew me into the psychological tension and the morally complex characters. While the brisk pace and short chapters kept the tension high, some scenes were quite graphic and unsettling, and the cast leaned toward morally dark characters, making it difficult to form an emotional connection. However, the suspense remained strong, and I was fully immersed in this riveting psychological thriller.
Thank you to NetGalley, John Nicholl and the publishers for the advance copy and look forward to reading more of John Nicholl's twisted thrillers.
Despite knowing he didn't inflict the fatal injuries, he's haunted by the loss he experienced in the operating room. When the true killer is revealed and he's cleared, his name is restored, but his conscience is not. What no one realizes is that the surgeon, even during his time in prison, is quietly plotting his revenge against someone connected to his case. John Nicholl's dark, direct, and fast-paced writing style immediately drew me into the psychological tension and the morally complex characters. While the brisk pace and short chapters kept the tension high, some scenes were quite graphic and unsettling, and the cast leaned toward morally dark characters, making it difficult to form an emotional connection. However, the suspense remained strong, and I was fully immersed in this riveting psychological thriller.
Thank you to NetGalley, John Nicholl and the publishers for the advance copy and look forward to reading more of John Nicholl's twisted thrillers.
October 18, 2025
Professor Aiken is a surgeon who went to prison for killing a woman. While he is in prison a woman walks into a police station and tells them that her husband has admitted to killing the woman and can lead them to the murder weapon which was not found before. He is arrested.
The professor is innocent of this crime but not for others in the past and there was one victim who got away and he wants to finish what he started. She goes missing shortly after the Professor’s release, coincidence or not, or is she is his next research study and kill? He has been planning his revenge on others like the police officer who led to his arrest and imprisonment.
This book is really dark but I couldn’t put it down.
Thank you to the author, publisher and Net Galley for my advance copy of this book.
The professor is innocent of this crime but not for others in the past and there was one victim who got away and he wants to finish what he started. She goes missing shortly after the Professor’s release, coincidence or not, or is she is his next research study and kill? He has been planning his revenge on others like the police officer who led to his arrest and imprisonment.
This book is really dark but I couldn’t put it down.
Thank you to the author, publisher and Net Galley for my advance copy of this book.
August 29, 2025
The Surgeon by John Nicholl is a fast paced suspense thriller. I would highly recommend adding to your tbr.
September 7, 2025
Eminent surgeon Professor Aiken has spent the last 5 years in prison for a crime he says he didn't commit. When the real culprit confesses Aiken is finally released vowing to seek revenge on those he feels wronged him. But is Aiken as innocent as he makes out?
If you like your thrillers to have you on the edge of your seat, afraid to turn the page in fear of what might come next then this novel is ideal for you. Aiken is a clever, articulate, intelligent character with a dark soul. He's one of the most depraved, evil characters I've read about and yet there's something that draws you to him. The chapters in which he features are almost artistically written despite being tense and gripping. There are multiple points of view but its in no way confusing. It's a suspenseful read and I couldn't put it down
If you like your thrillers to have you on the edge of your seat, afraid to turn the page in fear of what might come next then this novel is ideal for you. Aiken is a clever, articulate, intelligent character with a dark soul. He's one of the most depraved, evil characters I've read about and yet there's something that draws you to him. The chapters in which he features are almost artistically written despite being tense and gripping. There are multiple points of view but its in no way confusing. It's a suspenseful read and I couldn't put it down
September 8, 2025
REVIEW
Review for 'The Surgeon' by John Nicholl.
This is the twelfth book I have read by this incredible crime author I have previously read 'Killing Evil', 'The Doctor' (Book 1 in the 'Dr David Galbraith' series), 'The Wife' (Book 2 in the Dr Galbrailth series), 'The Father' (book 3 in the Dr Galbraith series), 'The Carmarthen Murders' (Book 1 in the 'Carmarthen Crime' series), 'The Tywi Estuary Killings' (Book 2 in the 'Carmarthen Crime' series),'The Castle Beach Murders' (Book 3 in 'The Carmarthen Crime' series), 'The Dryslwyn Castle Killings' (book 4 in the 'Carmarthen Crime' series), 'The Bride', 'The Cellar' and 'The Holiday' and I would highly recommend each and every single one of them!!
Another gripping, heart raising and addictive page turner by the King Of Crime John Nicholl!!
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!!! The book is written perfectly and with such vivid descriptions it really feels that you are with the protagonists walking the streets of Carmarthenshire with your heart pounding in a race against time. Make sure you clear your schedules before picking this up because you won't be able to put it down!!
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 of just a few hours and it genuinely was unputdownable!!! A true page turner absolutely rammed with suspense, tension, crime, revenge, anger, brutality, murder and everything you want when you read a psychological thriller. It ticks every single box for a crime lover. This would be absolutely amazing if turned into a movie, if done right of course!!! This is an absolutely gripping and addictive storyline. I have absolutely loved each book by John who has also brought out two series' called 'The Carmarthen Crime' series (perfect for locals like myself!) and his 'Dr David Galbraith' series which is perfect for crime lovers!!! This book is another absolutely explosive and addictive page turner from this incredible crime author. I love the fact that this book is based in Carmarthenshire along with naming many places local to me. Carmarthenshire is an absolutely beautiful place to visit with its castles and beaches and although this is a crime book John portrays the beauty of both Carmarthenshire and many of the local areas perfectly. The fact that I recognised so many places really brought the story to life. John really describes the local towns perfectly and even when this book is filled with crime and murder he manages to portray the beauty of local areas. I must say I had my heart in my throat and was on the edge of my seat on so many occasions in this book that I lost count!!! Will I say more? Nope, sorry for the tease but you'll just have to pick up a copy to find out what I mean. I can't go spoiling it for future readers now can I? If you want to find out more you will just have to grab your copy of this gripping book, and better yet the whole series and I can PROMISE you are not going to regret it. I mean, if you have never read any of John Nicholl's books before then you really cannot go and call yourself a crime fan so if you do love crime then you just have to get these books today!!! You may even discover your new favourite author, book and/or series just like I did when I first got hooked into his books!! With an absolutely gripping and addictive storyline I have no idea what you are waiting for? Stop wasting your time reading what I have written and get stuck in to something someone with talent and skill, as well as experience, has written!! I love how John wrote this book giving the readers so many different perspectives from various characters so you get such a good insight into what is happening including from the surgeon, the victim, the police along with several others. I also wanted to add that I really enjoyed the fantastic poem that John has included at the start of this book written by his great uncle Theodore Nicholl, obviously a family of many talents!
Another gripping, shocking, tension and crime packed psychological thriller from this extremely talented author!! I'm already counting down the days until his next book so I hope you are writing as I type John!!
I have previously met the main protagonist Detective Inspector Laura Kesey in several of John's previous books and I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know her and see her move through the police force along with getting to know her family life with her partner Janet and their son Ed. In this book things become extremely personal when Laura is targeted herself and it becomes a race against time to save her family. Not only did I enjoy meeting Laura again but also Ray Lewis who is now retired but was previously Laura's DS. I cannot say the same about DCS Nigel Halliday who I have never liked and found to be a pen pushing, number loving idiot who cares more about politics than policing!! I was intrigued to meet new character DC Jacqueline who I enjoyed getting to know and hope we meet again, along with PC Kirsty Whitlock from 'The Bride' of course lol! I love the fact that this book makes the crime even more personal to Laura which makes it even more personal to myself as she has become like a friend to me after "knowing" her for all these years, although she can drive me mad sometimes! Each of the characters are realistic and strong with their own unique personalities, flaws, strengths and weaknesses. There was a hole left after the death of a well beloved character for me in ''The Dryslwyn Castle Killings' and I am intrigued to see if another character/s will be along to fill his space along with that of another one, who was not beloved at all. who is thankfully moving on to the Met. As always John has included a vast variety of characters where we get to see from their perspectives and he links them all in perfectly. In this book especially it goes to show the butterfly affect of what can happen when one person is or isn't listened to when it comes to an investigation. Quoting Jack Reacher "“In an investigation, details matter.” and " "in an investigation, assumptions kill", maybe he should teach that to a certain PC Grant!! Regardless of whether you love or hate them these characters worked perfectly to make this book absolutely unputdownable and I cannot wait to get stuck into more books by this absolutely amazing author!!
I really cannot compliment and recommend this book more. It is a heart racing, nail biting, suspense packed psychological crime thriller.
Congratulations John on yet another absolutely addictive nail biting edge of your seat novel. This is exactly why you are on my favourite author list!!! As always I'm looking forward to reading your next page turner!!!
Overall a unputdownable, heart racing, nail biting and addictive psychological thriller.
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Review for 'The Surgeon' by John Nicholl.
This is the twelfth book I have read by this incredible crime author I have previously read 'Killing Evil', 'The Doctor' (Book 1 in the 'Dr David Galbraith' series), 'The Wife' (Book 2 in the Dr Galbrailth series), 'The Father' (book 3 in the Dr Galbraith series), 'The Carmarthen Murders' (Book 1 in the 'Carmarthen Crime' series), 'The Tywi Estuary Killings' (Book 2 in the 'Carmarthen Crime' series),'The Castle Beach Murders' (Book 3 in 'The Carmarthen Crime' series), 'The Dryslwyn Castle Killings' (book 4 in the 'Carmarthen Crime' series), 'The Bride', 'The Cellar' and 'The Holiday' and I would highly recommend each and every single one of them!!
Another gripping, heart raising and addictive page turner by the King Of Crime John Nicholl!!
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!!! The book is written perfectly and with such vivid descriptions it really feels that you are with the protagonists walking the streets of Carmarthenshire with your heart pounding in a race against time. Make sure you clear your schedules before picking this up because you won't be able to put it down!!
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 of just a few hours and it genuinely was unputdownable!!! A true page turner absolutely rammed with suspense, tension, crime, revenge, anger, brutality, murder and everything you want when you read a psychological thriller. It ticks every single box for a crime lover. This would be absolutely amazing if turned into a movie, if done right of course!!! This is an absolutely gripping and addictive storyline. I have absolutely loved each book by John who has also brought out two series' called 'The Carmarthen Crime' series (perfect for locals like myself!) and his 'Dr David Galbraith' series which is perfect for crime lovers!!! This book is another absolutely explosive and addictive page turner from this incredible crime author. I love the fact that this book is based in Carmarthenshire along with naming many places local to me. Carmarthenshire is an absolutely beautiful place to visit with its castles and beaches and although this is a crime book John portrays the beauty of both Carmarthenshire and many of the local areas perfectly. The fact that I recognised so many places really brought the story to life. John really describes the local towns perfectly and even when this book is filled with crime and murder he manages to portray the beauty of local areas. I must say I had my heart in my throat and was on the edge of my seat on so many occasions in this book that I lost count!!! Will I say more? Nope, sorry for the tease but you'll just have to pick up a copy to find out what I mean. I can't go spoiling it for future readers now can I? If you want to find out more you will just have to grab your copy of this gripping book, and better yet the whole series and I can PROMISE you are not going to regret it. I mean, if you have never read any of John Nicholl's books before then you really cannot go and call yourself a crime fan so if you do love crime then you just have to get these books today!!! You may even discover your new favourite author, book and/or series just like I did when I first got hooked into his books!! With an absolutely gripping and addictive storyline I have no idea what you are waiting for? Stop wasting your time reading what I have written and get stuck in to something someone with talent and skill, as well as experience, has written!! I love how John wrote this book giving the readers so many different perspectives from various characters so you get such a good insight into what is happening including from the surgeon, the victim, the police along with several others. I also wanted to add that I really enjoyed the fantastic poem that John has included at the start of this book written by his great uncle Theodore Nicholl, obviously a family of many talents!
Another gripping, shocking, tension and crime packed psychological thriller from this extremely talented author!! I'm already counting down the days until his next book so I hope you are writing as I type John!!
I have previously met the main protagonist Detective Inspector Laura Kesey in several of John's previous books and I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know her and see her move through the police force along with getting to know her family life with her partner Janet and their son Ed. In this book things become extremely personal when Laura is targeted herself and it becomes a race against time to save her family. Not only did I enjoy meeting Laura again but also Ray Lewis who is now retired but was previously Laura's DS. I cannot say the same about DCS Nigel Halliday who I have never liked and found to be a pen pushing, number loving idiot who cares more about politics than policing!! I was intrigued to meet new character DC Jacqueline who I enjoyed getting to know and hope we meet again, along with PC Kirsty Whitlock from 'The Bride' of course lol! I love the fact that this book makes the crime even more personal to Laura which makes it even more personal to myself as she has become like a friend to me after "knowing" her for all these years, although she can drive me mad sometimes! Each of the characters are realistic and strong with their own unique personalities, flaws, strengths and weaknesses. There was a hole left after the death of a well beloved character for me in ''The Dryslwyn Castle Killings' and I am intrigued to see if another character/s will be along to fill his space along with that of another one, who was not beloved at all. who is thankfully moving on to the Met. As always John has included a vast variety of characters where we get to see from their perspectives and he links them all in perfectly. In this book especially it goes to show the butterfly affect of what can happen when one person is or isn't listened to when it comes to an investigation. Quoting Jack Reacher "“In an investigation, details matter.” and " "in an investigation, assumptions kill", maybe he should teach that to a certain PC Grant!! Regardless of whether you love or hate them these characters worked perfectly to make this book absolutely unputdownable and I cannot wait to get stuck into more books by this absolutely amazing author!!
I really cannot compliment and recommend this book more. It is a heart racing, nail biting, suspense packed psychological crime thriller.
Congratulations John on yet another absolutely addictive nail biting edge of your seat novel. This is exactly why you are on my favourite author list!!! As always I'm looking forward to reading your next page turner!!!
Overall a unputdownable, heart racing, nail biting and addictive psychological thriller.
#TheSurgeon #JohnNicholl #BoldwoodBooks
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November 21, 2025
Popcorn thriller with little depth. Mild splatterpunk vibe moments. Not great but also not bad.
August 12, 2025
A real gory,deliciously dark psychological read,told from every character perspective, it adds real depth to the story and keeps you completely hooked.
The main protagonist is a deeply disturbed and devious individual,gruesome and disturbing in places,and so creepily written that you can't help but keep turning the pages.
It was great to catch up with some familiar faces from previous books, and it added extra enjoyment as a long-time fan of this authors work.
John Nicholl is a master at building tension and his delivered once again with THE SURGEON.
The only question is, will we meet him again in the future🤔
Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the Arc.
The main protagonist is a deeply disturbed and devious individual,gruesome and disturbing in places,and so creepily written that you can't help but keep turning the pages.
It was great to catch up with some familiar faces from previous books, and it added extra enjoyment as a long-time fan of this authors work.
John Nicholl is a master at building tension and his delivered once again with THE SURGEON.
The only question is, will we meet him again in the future🤔
Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the Arc.
August 13, 2025
What a thrill of a ride on this book..all the characters were spot on and I even loved the full an. Creepy, but I loved every minute of this one.
Thanks to the author the publisher and Netgalley for a early release of this book
Thanks to the author the publisher and Netgalley for a early release of this book
October 9, 2025
★★★★.5
“Professor Alexander Aitken: The Innocent Doctor Behind Bars.”
Professor Alexander Aitken has been arrested for murder, though he is innocent. Perhaps not innocent of taking lives, but he did not kill the person of whom he is accused. While he is incarcerated, he begins making a list and planning his sweet revenge. After all, an acclaimed surgeon such as himself, someone so superior, will surely be found innocent in time. Until then, what better place to meet the kind of people he will need to carry out his dark plan for vengeance?
“You have just got to be on the right side. Which, of course, I so rightly am. A living god with the power of life and death.”
Wow. The Surgeon is a truly dark tale. Professor Alexander Aitken, our antagonist, is so well written that I found myself both disturbed by and admiring of John Nicholl’s ability to create such an obnoxious, chilling character. Aitken is horrible in every way, yet there is something undeniably fascinating about him. I even found myself researching the connection between narcissism and the god complex, as his inflated self-importance and utter lack of empathy reached levels previously unknown to me. His upbringing, along with the remarks he makes about his childhood, paints a picture that will leave readers pondering the debate of nature versus nurture.
The story is told through multiple points of view, each assigned a distinct role, which I found to be an intriguing approach. I particularly enjoyed DI Kesey, whose passion for her work and commitment to her victims shine through every page. The insights into an ongoing police investigation are not new, yet they reaffirm familiar stereotypes about who earns promotions, who does the hard work, and who takes the blame when things go wrong. DC Nicholl, recently out of uniform, offers an interesting perspective on how officers must carefully weigh information to decide what warrants further investigation and what should be set aside. Her working relationship with DI Kesey was especially engaging.
This is a truly immersive story, one I read in a single sitting. The pacing is excellent. However, there are some graphic sections, particularly those told from the surgeon’s perspective, that may be unsettling for some readers.
I am delighted to have discovered John Nicholl and look forward to reading more of his work.
Thank you NetGalley, Boldwood Books, and John Nicholl for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
“Professor Alexander Aitken: The Innocent Doctor Behind Bars.”
Professor Alexander Aitken has been arrested for murder, though he is innocent. Perhaps not innocent of taking lives, but he did not kill the person of whom he is accused. While he is incarcerated, he begins making a list and planning his sweet revenge. After all, an acclaimed surgeon such as himself, someone so superior, will surely be found innocent in time. Until then, what better place to meet the kind of people he will need to carry out his dark plan for vengeance?
“You have just got to be on the right side. Which, of course, I so rightly am. A living god with the power of life and death.”
Wow. The Surgeon is a truly dark tale. Professor Alexander Aitken, our antagonist, is so well written that I found myself both disturbed by and admiring of John Nicholl’s ability to create such an obnoxious, chilling character. Aitken is horrible in every way, yet there is something undeniably fascinating about him. I even found myself researching the connection between narcissism and the god complex, as his inflated self-importance and utter lack of empathy reached levels previously unknown to me. His upbringing, along with the remarks he makes about his childhood, paints a picture that will leave readers pondering the debate of nature versus nurture.
The story is told through multiple points of view, each assigned a distinct role, which I found to be an intriguing approach. I particularly enjoyed DI Kesey, whose passion for her work and commitment to her victims shine through every page. The insights into an ongoing police investigation are not new, yet they reaffirm familiar stereotypes about who earns promotions, who does the hard work, and who takes the blame when things go wrong. DC Nicholl, recently out of uniform, offers an interesting perspective on how officers must carefully weigh information to decide what warrants further investigation and what should be set aside. Her working relationship with DI Kesey was especially engaging.
This is a truly immersive story, one I read in a single sitting. The pacing is excellent. However, there are some graphic sections, particularly those told from the surgeon’s perspective, that may be unsettling for some readers.
I am delighted to have discovered John Nicholl and look forward to reading more of his work.
Thank you NetGalley, Boldwood Books, and John Nicholl for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
September 24, 2025
Release: Oct 19, 2025
Author: John Nicholl
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Rating: 4.25 ★
A renowned surgeon is accused of a brutal murder—a crime he insists he didn’t commit. He’s no stranger to life and death, but the wounds on the victim weren’t caused by his scalpel. When someone else confesses and he's released, it looks like justice has finally been served.
But the truth is far more disturbing.
While everyone thought he was just another wrongfully accused man, he was quietly plotting his next move. The detective who put him behind bars, the activist who campaigned for his release, and even a survivor from a past crime—they’re all part of the plan.
Because for him, freedom isn’t just vindication… it’s an opportunity. And now that he’s free, the real game begins.
If you're looking for a thriller that will mess with your head and keep your pulse pounding, Your Life Is Mine delivers on every level. John Nicholl once again proves he’s a master of psychological suspense, pulling readers into a dark, twisted tale of revenge that feels disturbingly real.
From the first chapter, I was completely hooked. The story follows a respected surgeon accused of a horrific murder—a man who swears he’s innocent. But as the truth unravels, it becomes clear that what looks like justice might just be the beginning of something far more sinister. The tension never lets up, and just when I thought I had it all figured out, the rug was pulled out from under me. The final twist genuinely caught me off guard—and I loved that.
Nicholl's background in law enforcement really shines through. The characters feel authentic, the pacing is tight, and the psychological insight is chilling. This isn't just a cat-and-mouse story—it's a slow descent into the mind of a man who’s far more dangerous than anyone realizes.
The atmosphere is intense and unsettling, with moments that gave me actual goosebumps. It’s dark, gritty, and disturbingly plausible—the kind of book that lingers in your mind long after you've finished. I devoured it in one sitting and stayed up way too late just to see how it ended. And wow... what an ending.
If you're a fan of dark psychological thrillers with jaw-dropping twists, this one is a must-read. Just make sure your schedule is clear—you won’t be able to put it down.
Favorite quote:
"Just because we've been touched by it once, it doesn't mean we're immune to ever being hurt again. Lightning can strike twice."
Author: John Nicholl
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Rating: 4.25 ★
A renowned surgeon is accused of a brutal murder—a crime he insists he didn’t commit. He’s no stranger to life and death, but the wounds on the victim weren’t caused by his scalpel. When someone else confesses and he's released, it looks like justice has finally been served.
But the truth is far more disturbing.
While everyone thought he was just another wrongfully accused man, he was quietly plotting his next move. The detective who put him behind bars, the activist who campaigned for his release, and even a survivor from a past crime—they’re all part of the plan.
Because for him, freedom isn’t just vindication… it’s an opportunity. And now that he’s free, the real game begins.
If you're looking for a thriller that will mess with your head and keep your pulse pounding, Your Life Is Mine delivers on every level. John Nicholl once again proves he’s a master of psychological suspense, pulling readers into a dark, twisted tale of revenge that feels disturbingly real.
From the first chapter, I was completely hooked. The story follows a respected surgeon accused of a horrific murder—a man who swears he’s innocent. But as the truth unravels, it becomes clear that what looks like justice might just be the beginning of something far more sinister. The tension never lets up, and just when I thought I had it all figured out, the rug was pulled out from under me. The final twist genuinely caught me off guard—and I loved that.
Nicholl's background in law enforcement really shines through. The characters feel authentic, the pacing is tight, and the psychological insight is chilling. This isn't just a cat-and-mouse story—it's a slow descent into the mind of a man who’s far more dangerous than anyone realizes.
The atmosphere is intense and unsettling, with moments that gave me actual goosebumps. It’s dark, gritty, and disturbingly plausible—the kind of book that lingers in your mind long after you've finished. I devoured it in one sitting and stayed up way too late just to see how it ended. And wow... what an ending.
If you're a fan of dark psychological thrillers with jaw-dropping twists, this one is a must-read. Just make sure your schedule is clear—you won’t be able to put it down.
Favorite quote:
"Just because we've been touched by it once, it doesn't mean we're immune to ever being hurt again. Lightning can strike twice."
November 1, 2025
3.75 stars
I really did try to enjoy this book - overall the story is captivating and tantalising, and the plot moves quite well. The chapters are each written in the voices of many different characters so you're basically jumping around and getting all the information as its coming in. My main issue with the book was the Surgeon himself. Not that he was badly written; on the contrary, I think this particular villain was rather a little TOO well-written and honestly made my skin crawl the whole time while reading. Seriously - every time a chapter came up from the Surgeon's point of view, I had a physical revulsion response. The enormous God complex, his complete and utter belief that he is the pinnacle of evolution and the world is a better place because he is gracing the scientific field with his vast wisdom and carefully orchestrated 'experiments'. I mean, the guy probably had worship posters of Nazi scientist Josef Mengele on his walls, geez Louise. All I could think while reading was "I genuinely hope someone kills this character before I actually throw up from rage-hate". So if that is what the author was going for, then change this review to 5 stars because DAMN. I've never hated a character so much in my life and I watch a LOT of psychological crime shows; maybe this was all extra disturbing because the internal thoughts of this indescribably narcissistic psychopath are fully rendered in writing while on television I'm only getting certain elements of their inhumanity. Go ahead and give this one a read if you're not squeamish and need somewhere to focus your interminable rage at the world we have to live in right now.
Mr. Nicholl, you've written an excellent crime story here, but I'm honestly more than a little worried about your state of mind after writing all this. You're just waaaay too good at getting into the mind of an unapologetic killer. Now that it's published I hope you take some time to pet some kittens and go to your happy place.
Thanks to NetGalley, author John Nicholl, and Boldwood Books for granting me access to a free digital ARC of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own and are provided here voluntarily.
I really did try to enjoy this book - overall the story is captivating and tantalising, and the plot moves quite well. The chapters are each written in the voices of many different characters so you're basically jumping around and getting all the information as its coming in. My main issue with the book was the Surgeon himself. Not that he was badly written; on the contrary, I think this particular villain was rather a little TOO well-written and honestly made my skin crawl the whole time while reading. Seriously - every time a chapter came up from the Surgeon's point of view, I had a physical revulsion response. The enormous God complex, his complete and utter belief that he is the pinnacle of evolution and the world is a better place because he is gracing the scientific field with his vast wisdom and carefully orchestrated 'experiments'. I mean, the guy probably had worship posters of Nazi scientist Josef Mengele on his walls, geez Louise. All I could think while reading was "I genuinely hope someone kills this character before I actually throw up from rage-hate". So if that is what the author was going for, then change this review to 5 stars because DAMN. I've never hated a character so much in my life and I watch a LOT of psychological crime shows; maybe this was all extra disturbing because the internal thoughts of this indescribably narcissistic psychopath are fully rendered in writing while on television I'm only getting certain elements of their inhumanity. Go ahead and give this one a read if you're not squeamish and need somewhere to focus your interminable rage at the world we have to live in right now.
Mr. Nicholl, you've written an excellent crime story here, but I'm honestly more than a little worried about your state of mind after writing all this. You're just waaaay too good at getting into the mind of an unapologetic killer. Now that it's published I hope you take some time to pet some kittens and go to your happy place.
Thanks to NetGalley, author John Nicholl, and Boldwood Books for granting me access to a free digital ARC of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own and are provided here voluntarily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 2, 2025
3.5 stars
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
It is written through the POV of about a dozen characters. This had the potential to be confusing but I think it was ok. It gives us completely different outlooks on what's going on, rather than just giving us the thoughts of one character. On the other hand, was there too many viewpoints? I think so. Because it doesn't give you that one character, you've got no-one to invest in. And it does mean there's a lot of stories that have to be wrapped up well, and some characters pop up once and are never mentioned again.
I did enjoy it, and I would definitely recommend it but there was something nigging at me throughout it that I couldn't quite pinpoint. But I think I'd describe it as being told rather than shown. I know everyone writes differently but the general rule is you show the reader what's happening rather than tell them. Now I'm not saying it's an easy thing to do, I appreciate that, but I think that was what was annoying me. There seemed to be a simplicity about the way it was written.
I did see a review that said the title didn't match the story and I must say I agree. Yes there is a surgeon who is wrongly imprisoned, but I don't think him being a surgeon is all that important to the plot. I thought it'd be like Jack Jordan's Do No Harm, and it would be about things happening whilst on the operating table, but there was none of that. I think it would have worked just as well if it had a different profession, so yes, I agree the title is misleading.
The Surgeon himself wasn't a nice character. I know that's the point, and in a way John has written him well. But I still like to enjoy reading about despicable characters, whereas the Surgeon in this just made me too uncomfortable rather than scared, which is what I expect John was trying to get at.
I liked the ending but it was a bit rushed. I'd have liked it drawn out a bit because it's plodding on and then suddenly it's all sorted and it's done.
I did enjoy it overall; it was a fresh take on the thriller genre, which is my most read genre.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
It is written through the POV of about a dozen characters. This had the potential to be confusing but I think it was ok. It gives us completely different outlooks on what's going on, rather than just giving us the thoughts of one character. On the other hand, was there too many viewpoints? I think so. Because it doesn't give you that one character, you've got no-one to invest in. And it does mean there's a lot of stories that have to be wrapped up well, and some characters pop up once and are never mentioned again.
I did enjoy it, and I would definitely recommend it but there was something nigging at me throughout it that I couldn't quite pinpoint. But I think I'd describe it as being told rather than shown. I know everyone writes differently but the general rule is you show the reader what's happening rather than tell them. Now I'm not saying it's an easy thing to do, I appreciate that, but I think that was what was annoying me. There seemed to be a simplicity about the way it was written.
I did see a review that said the title didn't match the story and I must say I agree. Yes there is a surgeon who is wrongly imprisoned, but I don't think him being a surgeon is all that important to the plot. I thought it'd be like Jack Jordan's Do No Harm, and it would be about things happening whilst on the operating table, but there was none of that. I think it would have worked just as well if it had a different profession, so yes, I agree the title is misleading.
The Surgeon himself wasn't a nice character. I know that's the point, and in a way John has written him well. But I still like to enjoy reading about despicable characters, whereas the Surgeon in this just made me too uncomfortable rather than scared, which is what I expect John was trying to get at.
I liked the ending but it was a bit rushed. I'd have liked it drawn out a bit because it's plodding on and then suddenly it's all sorted and it's done.
I did enjoy it overall; it was a fresh take on the thriller genre, which is my most read genre.
October 9, 2025
The Surgeon by John Nicholl is a highly recommended disturbing psychological thriller following a man out for revenge.
Professor Alexander Aitken was a consultant surgeon but he has been in jail for five years for killing Holly Larkin, a murder he didn't commit. He was never caught for the murders he did commit. Now he has had time to plan his revenge so when the real perpetrator comes forward, and he is released it is time to set his plans into motion. Detective Inspector Laura Kesey is high on his list of those who must pay.
This is a dark, disturbing thriller which moves at at an even pace and the tension increases incrementally. This is a really unsettling novel that is quite graphic at times. The suspense and the tension build throughout the novel to a satisfying conclusion. It is a short novel, which makes it a fast read. This was good for me because I felt it was too gruesome at times.
The narrative is told through multiple first person points-of-view through different characters in each short chapter. This writing choice allows you to understand what each character is thinking along the way and helps with character development, portraying each one as an unique individual with strengths and weaknesses. The multiple viewpoints wasn't entirely successful for me, I felt like there were too many viewpoints, but it did add depth to the characters and didn't detract from the story.
The Surgeon by John Nicholl is a good choice for those who enjoy a revenge based psychological thriller. Thanks to Boldwood Books for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2025/1...
Professor Alexander Aitken was a consultant surgeon but he has been in jail for five years for killing Holly Larkin, a murder he didn't commit. He was never caught for the murders he did commit. Now he has had time to plan his revenge so when the real perpetrator comes forward, and he is released it is time to set his plans into motion. Detective Inspector Laura Kesey is high on his list of those who must pay.
This is a dark, disturbing thriller which moves at at an even pace and the tension increases incrementally. This is a really unsettling novel that is quite graphic at times. The suspense and the tension build throughout the novel to a satisfying conclusion. It is a short novel, which makes it a fast read. This was good for me because I felt it was too gruesome at times.
The narrative is told through multiple first person points-of-view through different characters in each short chapter. This writing choice allows you to understand what each character is thinking along the way and helps with character development, portraying each one as an unique individual with strengths and weaknesses. The multiple viewpoints wasn't entirely successful for me, I felt like there were too many viewpoints, but it did add depth to the characters and didn't detract from the story.
The Surgeon by John Nicholl is a good choice for those who enjoy a revenge based psychological thriller. Thanks to Boldwood Books for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2025/1...
October 20, 2025
When a surgeon is arrested for the murder he insists he did not do it, so when the real perpetrator comes forward he feels vindicated. What nobody knows is that while he was in prison he made a plan. Because revenge is sweet but murder is sweeter.
I thought this sounded like a simple concept but an intriguing one so I wanted to read. I think the author did a good job at creating an unsettling, creepy atmosphere and I liked that the author didn’t not shy away from it being dark and graphic in places. This helped to build the suspense. Even though I enjoyed these elements, I ended up struggling with this book overall. I found the overall story repetitive with limited twists or turns, which made it a bit predictable.
I also found the writing style very difficult to engage with. The story is told in an abundance of different voices, ranging from the surgeon himself to other characters who seemed irrelevant at the time. I found that the sheer quantity of characters meant that not one was developed in enough depth, meaning that as a reader I struggled to form an opinion or connection to them. I found myself getting a bit lost at times as to who I was reading about. I also found that some characters felt like stereotypes.
Following on from this, I found the way the characters speak to the reader, with limited dialogue and over descriptive writing, put me off and felt convoluted. Rather than differentiate between the characters, it made them all blur into one, where by any of them could have been speaking. Even though this story wasn’t for me, I appreciate what the author was trying to achieve and if the story is told in a different style, I may try and read another by this author again. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.
I thought this sounded like a simple concept but an intriguing one so I wanted to read. I think the author did a good job at creating an unsettling, creepy atmosphere and I liked that the author didn’t not shy away from it being dark and graphic in places. This helped to build the suspense. Even though I enjoyed these elements, I ended up struggling with this book overall. I found the overall story repetitive with limited twists or turns, which made it a bit predictable.
I also found the writing style very difficult to engage with. The story is told in an abundance of different voices, ranging from the surgeon himself to other characters who seemed irrelevant at the time. I found that the sheer quantity of characters meant that not one was developed in enough depth, meaning that as a reader I struggled to form an opinion or connection to them. I found myself getting a bit lost at times as to who I was reading about. I also found that some characters felt like stereotypes.
Following on from this, I found the way the characters speak to the reader, with limited dialogue and over descriptive writing, put me off and felt convoluted. Rather than differentiate between the characters, it made them all blur into one, where by any of them could have been speaking. Even though this story wasn’t for me, I appreciate what the author was trying to achieve and if the story is told in a different style, I may try and read another by this author again. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.
September 5, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the eCopy of this title.
John Nicholl delivers a dark, twisty psychological suspense novel that explores justice, revenge, and the terrifying thin line between the two.
🔪 Plot Summary
When an eminent surgeon is arrested for the brutal murder of a young woman, the evidence seems damning, he’s found at the scene, covered in blood. But he insists he didn’t do it. And when the real killer confesses, he’s released, vindicated… or so it seems.
What no one knows, not the police officer who arrested him, nor the influencer who campaigned for his release, nor the survivor of a previous attack is that while he was behind bars, he was making a plan. Because for this surgeon, revenge isn’t just sweet it’s surgical.
The novel unfolds with a chilling sense of inevitability, as the lines between victim and villain blur and the reader is left questioning who truly deserves justice.
🧠 What I Liked
Atmosphere: Nicholl knows how to build tension. The psychological unease is constant, and the pacing keeps you turning pages.
Moral Complexity: The story plays with themes of guilt, redemption, and vengeance in ways that are unsettling and thought-provoking.
Realism: Drawing on his background in law enforcement and child protection, Nicholl brings a gritty authenticity to the narrative.
🩸 Final Thoughts
The Surgeon is a solid psychological thriller with a chilling premise and a morally murky core. It’s ideal for fans of Daniel Hurst or TM Logan who enjoy revenge-driven narratives. While it didn’t fully land for me, it’s a quick, tense read that will appeal to those who like their thrillers dark and disturbing.
John Nicholl delivers a dark, twisty psychological suspense novel that explores justice, revenge, and the terrifying thin line between the two.
🔪 Plot Summary
When an eminent surgeon is arrested for the brutal murder of a young woman, the evidence seems damning, he’s found at the scene, covered in blood. But he insists he didn’t do it. And when the real killer confesses, he’s released, vindicated… or so it seems.
What no one knows, not the police officer who arrested him, nor the influencer who campaigned for his release, nor the survivor of a previous attack is that while he was behind bars, he was making a plan. Because for this surgeon, revenge isn’t just sweet it’s surgical.
The novel unfolds with a chilling sense of inevitability, as the lines between victim and villain blur and the reader is left questioning who truly deserves justice.
🧠 What I Liked
Atmosphere: Nicholl knows how to build tension. The psychological unease is constant, and the pacing keeps you turning pages.
Moral Complexity: The story plays with themes of guilt, redemption, and vengeance in ways that are unsettling and thought-provoking.
Realism: Drawing on his background in law enforcement and child protection, Nicholl brings a gritty authenticity to the narrative.
🩸 Final Thoughts
The Surgeon is a solid psychological thriller with a chilling premise and a morally murky core. It’s ideal for fans of Daniel Hurst or TM Logan who enjoy revenge-driven narratives. While it didn’t fully land for me, it’s a quick, tense read that will appeal to those who like their thrillers dark and disturbing.
October 10, 2025
Professor John Aitken, a renowned surgeon, is in prison for a murder he is adamant he did not commit, five years into his sentence the person that did commit the crime is reported to police and arrested, eventually the professor is released to live his life, but he's not completely innocent and DI Laura Kesey knows this and wants to keep an eye on him but her boss forbids her to go anywhere near him because Aitken is suing the police for wrongful imprisonment. He's also plotting his revenge on Kesey and Megan Morgan, who was attacked and left for dead a decade ago when she was just sixteen and Aitken will stop at nothing to exact that revenge.
The Surgeon is the latest thriller by Nicholl, told from the perspectives of multiple characters this was a spine chilling tale that is not for the faint hearted. It's a fast paced, compelling read which is very graphic in places, leaving nothing to the readers imagination. The author has created some morally complex characters who get under your skin and leave you feeling very uncomfortable, but weirdly wanting more at the same time. Aitken is a dark, depraved and twisted individual who seemed to thrive on the misfortunes of others and got a sadistic kick out of causing pain with his evil deeds. I thought the author's previous book, The Boyfriend was excellent but he took this one to the next level. Another intense and suspense filled read from Nicholl and I can't wait to see what he produces next!
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 Surgeon is the latest thriller by Nicholl, told from the perspectives of multiple characters this was a spine chilling tale that is not for the faint hearted. It's a fast paced, compelling read which is very graphic in places, leaving nothing to the readers imagination. The author has created some morally complex characters who get under your skin and leave you feeling very uncomfortable, but weirdly wanting more at the same time. Aitken is a dark, depraved and twisted individual who seemed to thrive on the misfortunes of others and got a sadistic kick out of causing pain with his evil deeds. I thought the author's previous book, The Boyfriend was excellent but he took this one to the next level. Another intense and suspense filled read from Nicholl and I can't wait to see what he produces next!
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.
October 19, 2025
This was a good solid read that sucked me in from the off, held my attention nicely all the way through, culminating in a rather satisfying ending.
We start with The Surgeon, Prof Aiken, who is in prison for what he claims is a crime he did not commit. He was apparently "caught in the act" and, although there were certain anomalies in the investigation, the evidence they did have was enough to convict. The lead on his case DI Kesey believes in his guilt, although her boss is not so sure and, when the real perpetrator admits his guilt, delights in telling her so. Long story short, he is subsequently freed and so begins his revenge...
I love the way this book was delivered. Each chapter is headed by the person whose perspective we are following. But not by name. Rather by profession, association, or relationship. This mean that following multiple, ever switching perspectives was made simple.
Outwith the cat and mouse game between Kesey and Aiken, we have a whole bunch of other threads that twist and turn around and about. As each new character is introduced, the author takes a wee while to get to why they are there, and how they fit with the big picture. This only adds to the intrigue surrounding them and also gave me the chance to try and guess, with limited success, I hasten to add!
And the story, well, if you have read this author before, you'll know that he seldom pulls his punches and is well known to write some rather gruesome and graphic violence. Chilling! But all within the bounds of the narrative, the characters, and the overall story being told.
All in all, another winner from this author. I am still slowly working my way through his back catalogue and do still have a few of his to play catch up with but I will endeavour to try harder!
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
We start with The Surgeon, Prof Aiken, who is in prison for what he claims is a crime he did not commit. He was apparently "caught in the act" and, although there were certain anomalies in the investigation, the evidence they did have was enough to convict. The lead on his case DI Kesey believes in his guilt, although her boss is not so sure and, when the real perpetrator admits his guilt, delights in telling her so. Long story short, he is subsequently freed and so begins his revenge...
I love the way this book was delivered. Each chapter is headed by the person whose perspective we are following. But not by name. Rather by profession, association, or relationship. This mean that following multiple, ever switching perspectives was made simple.
Outwith the cat and mouse game between Kesey and Aiken, we have a whole bunch of other threads that twist and turn around and about. As each new character is introduced, the author takes a wee while to get to why they are there, and how they fit with the big picture. This only adds to the intrigue surrounding them and also gave me the chance to try and guess, with limited success, I hasten to add!
And the story, well, if you have read this author before, you'll know that he seldom pulls his punches and is well known to write some rather gruesome and graphic violence. Chilling! But all within the bounds of the narrative, the characters, and the overall story being told.
All in all, another winner from this author. I am still slowly working my way through his back catalogue and do still have a few of his to play catch up with but I will endeavour to try harder!
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
October 18, 2025
What happens when a surgeon who once sliced through lives (and possibly laws) is suddenly declared innocent after five years in jail? Welcome to John Nicholl’s deliciously dark thriller, where scalpel meets suspense and justice plays hide-and-seek.
Professor Aiken, a brilliant yet unnervingly smug surgeon, claims he’s no murderer — but when a woman confesses that her husband is the real killer, the case takes a wild U-turn. Cue Aiken’s dramatic release, his steely grin, and a chilling sense that he’s got… unfinished business. When another woman—fragile, troubled, and unlucky enough to cross his path—goes missing, it’s déjà vu with a scalpel twist.
Enter DI Kesey and DC Nicholl (yes, a cheeky nod from the author himself), a detective duo who know something’s rotten but are battling bureaucracy and bad memories from the last fiasco. With higher-ups refusing to touch the case, it’s up to them to catch a predator before the professor sharpens his instruments again.
Nicholl’s writing slices clean and fast — think Grey’s Anatomy meets Silence of the Lambs. The multiple viewpoints keep you guessing, the tension hums like an operating room light, and the pacing? Surgical precision. It’s a smart, sinister, and satisfyingly twisty read that proves Nicholl still knows how to draw blood — figuratively, of course.
Verdict: A pulse-quickening thriller that cuts deep and leaves you breathless. Scalpel, please.
Professor Aiken, a brilliant yet unnervingly smug surgeon, claims he’s no murderer — but when a woman confesses that her husband is the real killer, the case takes a wild U-turn. Cue Aiken’s dramatic release, his steely grin, and a chilling sense that he’s got… unfinished business. When another woman—fragile, troubled, and unlucky enough to cross his path—goes missing, it’s déjà vu with a scalpel twist.
Enter DI Kesey and DC Nicholl (yes, a cheeky nod from the author himself), a detective duo who know something’s rotten but are battling bureaucracy and bad memories from the last fiasco. With higher-ups refusing to touch the case, it’s up to them to catch a predator before the professor sharpens his instruments again.
Nicholl’s writing slices clean and fast — think Grey’s Anatomy meets Silence of the Lambs. The multiple viewpoints keep you guessing, the tension hums like an operating room light, and the pacing? Surgical precision. It’s a smart, sinister, and satisfyingly twisty read that proves Nicholl still knows how to draw blood — figuratively, of course.
Verdict: A pulse-quickening thriller that cuts deep and leaves you breathless. Scalpel, please.
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