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The Girl in the Attic
The most twisty, gripping and darkly-unhinged suspense thriller of the year! Fans of Daniel Hurst, TM Logan and Frieda McFadden won’t be able to stop thinking about it.
There’s so much to tell. Things I can’t say yet. Not because I don’t remember, but because some memories bite back when you touch them…
Olivia thought she knew darkness. Her childhood. The years in care homes. The fear of abandonment. The fear of loss and failure.
Now, as the door clangs shuts behind her – with her captor’s promise ringing in her ears that she’s ‘his’ forever – she realises that nowhere before has been as dark as her attic cell.
But, under the eaves, as she shivers in the cold and recalls how she was taken, Olivia starts to make a plan.
Because only she knows that the girl in the attic isn’t as innocent as her captor thinks… and that the deepest darkness might just be within her.
There’s so much to tell. Things I can’t say yet. Not because I don’t remember, but because some memories bite back when you touch them…
Olivia thought she knew darkness. Her childhood. The years in care homes. The fear of abandonment. The fear of loss and failure.
Now, as the door clangs shuts behind her – with her captor’s promise ringing in her ears that she’s ‘his’ forever – she realises that nowhere before has been as dark as her attic cell.
But, under the eaves, as she shivers in the cold and recalls how she was taken, Olivia starts to make a plan.
Because only she knows that the girl in the attic isn’t as innocent as her captor thinks… and that the deepest darkness might just be within her.
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Audible Audio
Published April 10, 2026
123 people are currently reading
138 people want to read
About the author
John Nicholl
39 books12 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author with this name on GR
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
March 20, 2026
I’ve been in a bit of a dilemma, wondering how to review this book. I didn’t hate it, but I didn’t love it either. There was no spark for me at all, though I was expecting a psychological thriller, which was labelled “ The most twisty, gripping, and darkly-unhinged suspense thriller of the year”.
The first part dragged for me somewhat, and towards the middle it started to get very dark, and I got a little bit excited, and then…nothing!!
Olivia, the MC had been a victim of abuse as a child, and was in and out of foster care, until at 14, she moves in with a loving foster family. At 18 she leaves for art college, and sets up home in a tiny bed-sit nearby. In the book Olivia, states that she is wary of men, due to her years of abuse, and basically has her spidey senses on high alert, but to me, she seemed to have no problem going off with the weird “60 something” Charles, after an argument with Joe, her boyfriend, though the alarm bells were ringing like London’s Big Ben on New Year’s Eve.
I had high hopes for this book, and I continued to read until the very end, just hoping for some excitement. Maybe it’s because, I have read some absolutely shocking books, and nothing seems to really faze me, but I was expecting a few twists and turns, and finished the book, feeling as flat as a pancake. I know that this book has got a lot of praise from other readers, but it wasn’t a hit for me, unfortunately.
Thanks to John Nicholl, Boldwood Books, and NetGalley for providing me with this free ARC, with which I leave a voluntary review.
2.75 ⭐️
Available: 8th April 2026
The first part dragged for me somewhat, and towards the middle it started to get very dark, and I got a little bit excited, and then…nothing!!
Olivia, the MC had been a victim of abuse as a child, and was in and out of foster care, until at 14, she moves in with a loving foster family. At 18 she leaves for art college, and sets up home in a tiny bed-sit nearby. In the book Olivia, states that she is wary of men, due to her years of abuse, and basically has her spidey senses on high alert, but to me, she seemed to have no problem going off with the weird “60 something” Charles, after an argument with Joe, her boyfriend, though the alarm bells were ringing like London’s Big Ben on New Year’s Eve.
I had high hopes for this book, and I continued to read until the very end, just hoping for some excitement. Maybe it’s because, I have read some absolutely shocking books, and nothing seems to really faze me, but I was expecting a few twists and turns, and finished the book, feeling as flat as a pancake. I know that this book has got a lot of praise from other readers, but it wasn’t a hit for me, unfortunately.
Thanks to John Nicholl, Boldwood Books, and NetGalley for providing me with this free ARC, with which I leave a voluntary review.
2.75 ⭐️
Available: 8th April 2026
April 25, 2026
3 5*
The last book I read was about an art buyer turned serial killer. This one turns out to be about an artist that a serial killer wants to turn into a serial killer!
Credibly writing about someone painting in oils and how their sad past influences their work must be difficult, but there were far too many clichéd phrases, similies and metaphors throughout and, to be honest, I really found it hard to sympathise with Olivia and her 'poor me' mentality prior to her being driven to the country pile. All the 'end of chapter' foreboding cliffhangers got a bit irritating too! However, bad guy Charles is indeed 'proper 'orrible', although underdeveloped and wasted....I'd have loved more back story.
The second half was too short, the first too long, but the book as a whole is a compact read, and if you like dark, gruesome, violent tales I doubt you'll be disappointed.
Rounded up because the author was kind enough to send me a copy and I'm not going to mess with his rating just because this wasn't completely my cup of tea.
The last book I read was about an art buyer turned serial killer. This one turns out to be about an artist that a serial killer wants to turn into a serial killer!
Credibly writing about someone painting in oils and how their sad past influences their work must be difficult, but there were far too many clichéd phrases, similies and metaphors throughout and, to be honest, I really found it hard to sympathise with Olivia and her 'poor me' mentality prior to her being driven to the country pile. All the 'end of chapter' foreboding cliffhangers got a bit irritating too! However, bad guy Charles is indeed 'proper 'orrible', although underdeveloped and wasted....I'd have loved more back story.
The second half was too short, the first too long, but the book as a whole is a compact read, and if you like dark, gruesome, violent tales I doubt you'll be disappointed.
Rounded up because the author was kind enough to send me a copy and I'm not going to mess with his rating just because this wasn't completely my cup of tea.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Olivia is a complex character, she is in and out of foster home and care facilities but we are never given the true reason, it's your own mind that interprets what may or may not have happened to her.Finally settled with a couple, her outstanding artwork is noticed by an art gallery owner, only to have a drastic effect on her life when she meets a man who is obsessed with her work and wants her to become his muse
A dark, slow-burn thriller that’s both gripping and disturbing. Girl in the Attic by John Nicholl isn’t always an easy read, but the tension builds well and keeps the pages turning.
A dark, slow-burn thriller that’s both gripping and disturbing. Girl in the Attic by John Nicholl isn’t always an easy read, but the tension builds well and keeps the pages turning.
April 10, 2026
I devoured this book in one sitting. Wow wow wow. Crazy story, ruthless, and disgusting scenes but oh so good.
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
April 21, 2026
Certain writing skills are derived from gifts bestowed from the gods. Depicting culinary matters until the reader smells the aromas, sees the plating, tastes the creation, even drooling onto the pages, is one example. Here, the author touches on two more.
The narrator, Olivia, is a lost but seemingly maturing young woman who could gloriously achieve fame and fortune. An introverted orphan who escaped onto art pads and canvasses, she erupts into society as a potential new visual arts star. It is the description of her work, her mind in making the artwork, and interpretations of the artwork that distinguish this author from most peers. Those portions of this novel are gold standard writing.
The second mastery is much much much more disturbing. Nicholl creeps into the dark side. The evil second character of this predominantly two-person novel is Olivia's captor. Without explanation, we learn that he is as evil as he is rich. A former criminal lawyer, he is amazingly more criminal than most any charged culprit. And, so we read 200 pages of his mistreatment of Olivia.
Like Frieda McFadden's bad boy in "The Housemaid", the gentleman, well groomed and clothed who everyone admires, is not a gentleman. Naive waifs are his prey. And, the more we learn, the more we know how the gentleman is more sociopath than high society.
Getting into the mind of such mental illness is more than disturbing. It is nerve tingling. Hairs raised on the neck, emotionally draining, never forgettable disturbing. That insight, through meticulous writing, is this author's second gift. Psychological thrillers are hard to create. This author makes it look easy. He compares to Stephen King, Gillian Flynn, TM Logan, McFadden, Alex Michaelides, Lisa Jewell, Patricia Highsmith among others. If you like their works, dive into this novel.
I am not someone looking for a psychological thriller. The fear/scare/deranged factor is not for me. But, this page turner had me gobble this novel in a few sittings. I just could not put it down.
The narrator, Olivia, is a lost but seemingly maturing young woman who could gloriously achieve fame and fortune. An introverted orphan who escaped onto art pads and canvasses, she erupts into society as a potential new visual arts star. It is the description of her work, her mind in making the artwork, and interpretations of the artwork that distinguish this author from most peers. Those portions of this novel are gold standard writing.
The second mastery is much much much more disturbing. Nicholl creeps into the dark side. The evil second character of this predominantly two-person novel is Olivia's captor. Without explanation, we learn that he is as evil as he is rich. A former criminal lawyer, he is amazingly more criminal than most any charged culprit. And, so we read 200 pages of his mistreatment of Olivia.
Like Frieda McFadden's bad boy in "The Housemaid", the gentleman, well groomed and clothed who everyone admires, is not a gentleman. Naive waifs are his prey. And, the more we learn, the more we know how the gentleman is more sociopath than high society.
Getting into the mind of such mental illness is more than disturbing. It is nerve tingling. Hairs raised on the neck, emotionally draining, never forgettable disturbing. That insight, through meticulous writing, is this author's second gift. Psychological thrillers are hard to create. This author makes it look easy. He compares to Stephen King, Gillian Flynn, TM Logan, McFadden, Alex Michaelides, Lisa Jewell, Patricia Highsmith among others. If you like their works, dive into this novel.
I am not someone looking for a psychological thriller. The fear/scare/deranged factor is not for me. But, this page turner had me gobble this novel in a few sittings. I just could not put it down.
March 31, 2026
This was my first time reading a book by John Nicholl. I was drawn in by the blurb, which sounded like it could be a gripping and dark psychological thriller.
The story centres around Olivia, who is being held captive, and explores both her current situation and past experiences. It’s a very dark and at times graphic read, which didn’t necessarily put me off, but it does set the tone for later on in the book.
Unfortunately, this one didn’t quite hit the mark for me. I found it quite slow-paced, and at times it felt like not a lot was happening. Even when the story did pick up slightly, it didn’t fully capture my interest in the way I’d hoped.
I usually really enjoy psychological thrillers, but this one just didn’t grab my attention. That said, I can see how it may appeal to readers who enjoy darker, more graphic stories.
Overall, this was an ok read for me, not a favourite, but not a bad book either.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review.
The story centres around Olivia, who is being held captive, and explores both her current situation and past experiences. It’s a very dark and at times graphic read, which didn’t necessarily put me off, but it does set the tone for later on in the book.
Unfortunately, this one didn’t quite hit the mark for me. I found it quite slow-paced, and at times it felt like not a lot was happening. Even when the story did pick up slightly, it didn’t fully capture my interest in the way I’d hoped.
I usually really enjoy psychological thrillers, but this one just didn’t grab my attention. That said, I can see how it may appeal to readers who enjoy darker, more graphic stories.
Overall, this was an ok read for me, not a favourite, but not a bad book either.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 8, 2026
I give this book a solid 3 1/2 stars.
First of all I‘m glad that I recieved this book as an arc, because I enjoyed reading it. The story itself as so much potential but it also somehow seems to be lacking depth. I wish the book explored Charles‘s story more, how he becamee who he was as well as the past of Olivia. The author touched on both subjects but I really would‘ve loved to explore that more. Also it was at times completely predicatable which wasn‘t bad but yeah I could‘ve guessed some of the turns.
I enjoyed the story but like I said, it wasn‘t the best thriller I ever read.
First of all I‘m glad that I recieved this book as an arc, because I enjoyed reading it. The story itself as so much potential but it also somehow seems to be lacking depth. I wish the book explored Charles‘s story more, how he becamee who he was as well as the past of Olivia. The author touched on both subjects but I really would‘ve loved to explore that more. Also it was at times completely predicatable which wasn‘t bad but yeah I could‘ve guessed some of the turns.
I enjoyed the story but like I said, it wasn‘t the best thriller I ever read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was not what I was expecting! The beginning I found slow going and then all of a sudden the story turned in a different direction which I started to like but then not much happened after that. Although a quick read, I didn’t connect with the characters very well and unfortunately after I’d finished I sat wondering what on earth it was all about.
Thank you to the Publisher and the Author for the opportunity to read and review this ebook.
Thank you to the Publisher and the Author for the opportunity to read and review this ebook.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Are you afraid of the darkness?
Olivia Ashford though she knew darkness.
With the door clang shut behind her, her attic cell is a place of abandonment.
And she is now his forever.
The dark twisted disturbing novel that I just relished every page. Charles Fairfax and what he did to her leads into traumatic details chapter after chapter.
Revenge comes as not a confession but to give her freedom that will make Olivia to never be taking in by a man again.
Mind-blowing that will make the hairs on your neck stand up giving you goosebumps.
Superb book.
Olivia Ashford though she knew darkness.
With the door clang shut behind her, her attic cell is a place of abandonment.
And she is now his forever.
The dark twisted disturbing novel that I just relished every page. Charles Fairfax and what he did to her leads into traumatic details chapter after chapter.
Revenge comes as not a confession but to give her freedom that will make Olivia to never be taking in by a man again.
Mind-blowing that will make the hairs on your neck stand up giving you goosebumps.
Superb book.
April 8, 2026
REVIEW
Review for 'The Girl In The Attic' by John Nicholl.
This is the thirteenth 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', 'The Holiday' and 'The Surgeon'. I would highly recommend each and every single one of them especially for fans of gripping, gritty and addictive psychological thrillers!!
YET AGAIN ANOTHER ABSOLUTELY GRIPPING, GRITTY, HEART RACING AND ADDICTIVE PAGE TURNER FROM 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 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 Olivia feeling the sweat, terror and heartbreak that she goes through at the hands of Charles!! Make sure you clear your schedules before picking this up because you won't be able to put it down!! Do not forget that looks can be deceiving!!!
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, heartache, terror, 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 has so many absolutely incredible psychological thrillers including some book series' you seriously should go check them out!!! However, be warned that they are not for the faint hearted! However, if you are like me and love gory, twisty, gritty and heart stopping psychological thrillers that will leave you biting your nails and your heart racing then this author is definitely the one for you!! 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!!
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!!
John creates absolutely brilliant, terrifying and realistic characters that jump out of the pages and come to life in front of your eyes at every turn of the page. His descriptions are so vivid, emotive and evocative that he really does ensure his readers feel, see and hear every single thing that each of his characters are. The fact that he truly cares about his characters shines out of the pages with the realism he creates them with. In this specific book he really does go to show that looks can be deceiving and you really should not judge a book by its cover!! Well, except in this case where the book is as absolutely amazing as its fantastic cover!! John creates realistic characters which will make you feel hate, fear and anger and so much more. He creates such powerful emotions that the reader feels at every single turn of the page. i really cannot wait to see who he creates next in his next book! Speaking of which his next book is actually available to pre-order on Amazon now. It has yet to be named or a synopsis created but it will be published on the 5th December, which just so happens to be my birthday, and I can guarantee it will be just as brilliant as each and every one of his previous books!! So, what are you waiting for? Grab your copy of 'The Girl In The Attic' and get hooked today!
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.
#TheGirlnTheAttic #JohnNicholl #BoldwoodBooks #TheMurderList
@John Nicholl @BoldwoodBooks
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Review for 'The Girl In The Attic' by John Nicholl.
This is the thirteenth 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', 'The Holiday' and 'The Surgeon'. I would highly recommend each and every single one of them especially for fans of gripping, gritty and addictive psychological thrillers!!
YET AGAIN ANOTHER ABSOLUTELY GRIPPING, GRITTY, HEART RACING AND ADDICTIVE PAGE TURNER FROM 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 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 Olivia feeling the sweat, terror and heartbreak that she goes through at the hands of Charles!! Make sure you clear your schedules before picking this up because you won't be able to put it down!! Do not forget that looks can be deceiving!!!
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, heartache, terror, 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 has so many absolutely incredible psychological thrillers including some book series' you seriously should go check them out!!! However, be warned that they are not for the faint hearted! However, if you are like me and love gory, twisty, gritty and heart stopping psychological thrillers that will leave you biting your nails and your heart racing then this author is definitely the one for you!! 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!!
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!!
John creates absolutely brilliant, terrifying and realistic characters that jump out of the pages and come to life in front of your eyes at every turn of the page. His descriptions are so vivid, emotive and evocative that he really does ensure his readers feel, see and hear every single thing that each of his characters are. The fact that he truly cares about his characters shines out of the pages with the realism he creates them with. In this specific book he really does go to show that looks can be deceiving and you really should not judge a book by its cover!! Well, except in this case where the book is as absolutely amazing as its fantastic cover!! John creates realistic characters which will make you feel hate, fear and anger and so much more. He creates such powerful emotions that the reader feels at every single turn of the page. i really cannot wait to see who he creates next in his next book! Speaking of which his next book is actually available to pre-order on Amazon now. It has yet to be named or a synopsis created but it will be published on the 5th December, which just so happens to be my birthday, and I can guarantee it will be just as brilliant as each and every one of his previous books!! So, what are you waiting for? Grab your copy of 'The Girl In The Attic' and get hooked today!
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.
#TheGirlnTheAttic #JohnNicholl #BoldwoodBooks #TheMurderList
@John Nicholl @BoldwoodBooks
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April 26, 2026
The Girl in the Attic is about Olivia. Olivia has had quite a rough life up to this point.. Eventually she finds herself locked in an attic. Can she trick her captor and reclaim her life? Or will she be lost in this attic forever?
Notes taken:
-The writing is REALLY good so far. Poetic, almost. Very descriptive. However, it's a bit hard to follow due to the way it's worded. I'm finding myself distracted by the wordiness and needing to go back and re-read things because I'm missing the point of what's being said entirely.
-The synopsis sounded so good but I'm having a hard time really "getting into it" because it's almost like it's worded that way to be intentionally difficult.
-I thought this was supposed to be from the POV from someone around 18, as at one point MC Olivia did mention her age. But I don't know any 18 year old who speaks or writes like this. Perhaps the scene when she was 18 was in the past and she's older now?
-I am finally about half-way through. It dragged a bit up to this point. I almost gave up. I think I've grasped what's going on, but the book is called "The Girl in the Attic" and at 45% completed, I'd expect her to be in the attic by now.. Slooooooooow moving.
-She cannot be 18. That must have been something that happened in the past or there was a time jump I missed.
-I absolutely require this to pick up soon. I'm beginning to wonder if I'm not the target audience?
-I'm starting to be able to read past the language. It's not that it doesn't make sense, or that the words are uncommon or hard to understand.. It's just. too much excess comparison in every sentence and description. This isn't a direct quote, just the vibe I get.. But it's very - "The young girl, hair golden and littered with flowers, walked gently across the mahogany floor, gliding almost, as if merely a feather floating in the cool, crisp October wind." Just.. Why?!
-A lot of moments that should be "thrilling," aren't, simply because the way it's worded -tells- you how to feel, rather than allowing you to feel it for yourself.
-Well.. That got real fucked up, real fast. Light switch being flipped - energy💡
-When Charles is pleased, he dances. And its very "I'm a little lad who loves berries and cream!" in my head. The vibes are unhinged.
-I'm craving more dread than I am getting. There are many a horrible thing happening, but it's not giving me the feels. Truly the flowery wording is distracting from the very dark themes here.
All of that being said, I enjoyed the book, enough. It was okay. It didn't fully redeem itself from the slow start, but it tried. For me, personally, the wording was just a bit of a hindrance. I think a lot of people may love this book, and I'm totally willing to give the author another read, as this is my first from him. I suppose I was looking for something that would keep me up reading, out of both momentum.. And dread. I want to call my dog to escort me to the bathroom in the middle of the night because I feel uneasy. I didn't find that in this particular book.
However, the characters were great. There were a few scenes I cheered for. I genuinely enjoyed how it ended.. The last 30 or so pages did a lot of work for this book. Actually, the bulk of the work.
1 star for the first half. Add 1 star for the characters. The ending earned that 3rd star.
Thank you graciously to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. I appreciate the opportunity so much and look forward to seeing if some of this Author's other works deliver a little more dread for me.
Notes taken:
-The writing is REALLY good so far. Poetic, almost. Very descriptive. However, it's a bit hard to follow due to the way it's worded. I'm finding myself distracted by the wordiness and needing to go back and re-read things because I'm missing the point of what's being said entirely.
-The synopsis sounded so good but I'm having a hard time really "getting into it" because it's almost like it's worded that way to be intentionally difficult.
-I thought this was supposed to be from the POV from someone around 18, as at one point MC Olivia did mention her age. But I don't know any 18 year old who speaks or writes like this. Perhaps the scene when she was 18 was in the past and she's older now?
-I am finally about half-way through. It dragged a bit up to this point. I almost gave up. I think I've grasped what's going on, but the book is called "The Girl in the Attic" and at 45% completed, I'd expect her to be in the attic by now.. Slooooooooow moving.
-She cannot be 18. That must have been something that happened in the past or there was a time jump I missed.
-I absolutely require this to pick up soon. I'm beginning to wonder if I'm not the target audience?
-I'm starting to be able to read past the language. It's not that it doesn't make sense, or that the words are uncommon or hard to understand.. It's just. too much excess comparison in every sentence and description. This isn't a direct quote, just the vibe I get.. But it's very - "The young girl, hair golden and littered with flowers, walked gently across the mahogany floor, gliding almost, as if merely a feather floating in the cool, crisp October wind." Just.. Why?!
-A lot of moments that should be "thrilling," aren't, simply because the way it's worded -tells- you how to feel, rather than allowing you to feel it for yourself.
-Well.. That got real fucked up, real fast. Light switch being flipped - energy💡
-When Charles is pleased, he dances. And its very "I'm a little lad who loves berries and cream!" in my head. The vibes are unhinged.
-I'm craving more dread than I am getting. There are many a horrible thing happening, but it's not giving me the feels. Truly the flowery wording is distracting from the very dark themes here.
All of that being said, I enjoyed the book, enough. It was okay. It didn't fully redeem itself from the slow start, but it tried. For me, personally, the wording was just a bit of a hindrance. I think a lot of people may love this book, and I'm totally willing to give the author another read, as this is my first from him. I suppose I was looking for something that would keep me up reading, out of both momentum.. And dread. I want to call my dog to escort me to the bathroom in the middle of the night because I feel uneasy. I didn't find that in this particular book.
However, the characters were great. There were a few scenes I cheered for. I genuinely enjoyed how it ended.. The last 30 or so pages did a lot of work for this book. Actually, the bulk of the work.
1 star for the first half. Add 1 star for the characters. The ending earned that 3rd star.
Thank you graciously to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. I appreciate the opportunity so much and look forward to seeing if some of this Author's other works deliver a little more dread for me.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Because some nightmares don’t end when you open your eyes. They just settle in and wait. Quietly. Patiently. Until you’re too worn down to fight them any more.”
That quote perfectly captures the tone of this book. It’s not just dark. It’s macabre, disturbing, and almost horror-like in the way it lingers.
The kind of story that gets under your skin and refuses to leave. At times it felt genuinely unsettling in a way that only a few books manage to achieve.
I genuinely don’t even know where to start with this book… The Girl in the Attic completely consumed me.
This wasn’t a story about twists or shocking reveals, it was something much deeper than that. It was the atmosphere, the writing, and the slow, suffocating tension that made this unforgettable. From the very beginning, there’s this constant feeling of dread that never truly lets go.
The writing style absolutely blew me away. It felt raw, immersive, and incredibly intimate, pulling me straight into the main character’s experience. I read this in one sitting because I physically could not put it down.
There’s also this constant, underlying sense of unease.. Like something is always wrong, even in quieter moments.
“We don’t always hear at first when evil calls our name.”
That line stuck with me because it reflects exactly how this story unfolds: subtly, quietly, and then all at once. The horror in this book doesn’t rely on shock value, but on the slow realization of what’s happening.
What I also found incredibly well done was the psychological impact on the main character. You can feel her slowly starting to doubt herself, her thoughts, and even what she wants. At certain points, it almost seems like she’s no longer sure if she truly wants to escape, which makes everything even more unsettling. That inner conflict felt very real and added another layer to the story. The ending especially reinforced how deeply everything affected her, and how something like this doesn’t just end when it’s over…
It stays with you, changes your core in ways you can’t begin to imagine.
I did find myself wondering about Charles.. About how someone becomes like that, what leads a person down such a path. But at the same time, not having those answers made the story feel even more real. In real life, we don’t always get explanations, and that makes it all the more terrifying.
What truly surprised me is how much this book affected me. I did not expect to love this as much as I did — but it ended up being one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. Not because of twists, but because of how it made me feel: uncomfortable, tense, and completely immersed from beginning to end.
If you’re looking for something fast-paced, deeply disturbing, and emotionally gripping, this is it. This book is dark, lugubrious, and intense in the best possible way.
I will 100% be reading more from this author.
This wasn’t just a great thriller — it was an experience, one hell of a ride and one I won’t be forgetting anytime soon.
“Because some nightmares don’t end when you open your eyes. They just settle in and wait. Quietly. Patiently. Until you’re too worn down to fight them any more.”
That quote perfectly captures the tone of this book. It’s not just dark. It’s macabre, disturbing, and almost horror-like in the way it lingers.
The kind of story that gets under your skin and refuses to leave. At times it felt genuinely unsettling in a way that only a few books manage to achieve.
I genuinely don’t even know where to start with this book… The Girl in the Attic completely consumed me.
This wasn’t a story about twists or shocking reveals, it was something much deeper than that. It was the atmosphere, the writing, and the slow, suffocating tension that made this unforgettable. From the very beginning, there’s this constant feeling of dread that never truly lets go.
The writing style absolutely blew me away. It felt raw, immersive, and incredibly intimate, pulling me straight into the main character’s experience. I read this in one sitting because I physically could not put it down.
There’s also this constant, underlying sense of unease.. Like something is always wrong, even in quieter moments.
“We don’t always hear at first when evil calls our name.”
That line stuck with me because it reflects exactly how this story unfolds: subtly, quietly, and then all at once. The horror in this book doesn’t rely on shock value, but on the slow realization of what’s happening.
What I also found incredibly well done was the psychological impact on the main character. You can feel her slowly starting to doubt herself, her thoughts, and even what she wants. At certain points, it almost seems like she’s no longer sure if she truly wants to escape, which makes everything even more unsettling. That inner conflict felt very real and added another layer to the story. The ending especially reinforced how deeply everything affected her, and how something like this doesn’t just end when it’s over…
It stays with you, changes your core in ways you can’t begin to imagine.
I did find myself wondering about Charles.. About how someone becomes like that, what leads a person down such a path. But at the same time, not having those answers made the story feel even more real. In real life, we don’t always get explanations, and that makes it all the more terrifying.
What truly surprised me is how much this book affected me. I did not expect to love this as much as I did — but it ended up being one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. Not because of twists, but because of how it made me feel: uncomfortable, tense, and completely immersed from beginning to end.
If you’re looking for something fast-paced, deeply disturbing, and emotionally gripping, this is it. This book is dark, lugubrious, and intense in the best possible way.
I will 100% be reading more from this author.
This wasn’t just a great thriller — it was an experience, one hell of a ride and one I won’t be forgetting anytime soon.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Girl in the Attic is a gripping dark 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. 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 survival.
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)
The Girl in the Attic (2026)
This is my review of The Girl In The Attic.
This novel is definitely not a book for the faint hearted. It is dark and very disturbing.
I find it really hard to rate this novel as this book for me, was a bit of a slow burn in the beginning but it picked up half way through, where I was totally engaged and had my full attention.
Olivia Ashford reveals her story, of how she ended up in this place…held captive in an attic…a prison where she desperately needs to be saved. Her only release was her art…her vivid paintings that showed the darkness and abandonment she had endured. Her art became her therapy.
Olivia had a difficult childhood and years in foster homes. Then at fourteen, she was fostered by a couple, Eva and Edward Jones, who recognized Olivia had artistic talent in her art through sketching and painting. They encouraged her art, and bought her supplies.
Her foster parents introduce Olivia to their friend, Benjamin who owns a gallery, who was very impressed with her paintings and offers to exhibit her collection. What followed was art college and falling in love with Joe, a student in the class. Joe invites Olivia to a family villa in Spain over the Christmas holidays and she accepts.
But Joe betrayed her, she finds out her boyfriend's cheating on her. But soon, the cheating is the least of her problems and her nightmare begins.
Restrained by a monster, held captive in his web, she must find a way to escape from her attic cell.
The depth of the characters is enriched through 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 that I saw coming is one that you won’t forget.
Many thanks to the author, Boldwood Books and Netgalley for my digital copy.
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)
The Girl in the Attic (2026)
This is my review of The Girl In The Attic.
This novel is definitely not a book for the faint hearted. It is dark and very disturbing.
I find it really hard to rate this novel as this book for me, was a bit of a slow burn in the beginning but it picked up half way through, where I was totally engaged and had my full attention.
Olivia Ashford reveals her story, of how she ended up in this place…held captive in an attic…a prison where she desperately needs to be saved. Her only release was her art…her vivid paintings that showed the darkness and abandonment she had endured. Her art became her therapy.
Olivia had a difficult childhood and years in foster homes. Then at fourteen, she was fostered by a couple, Eva and Edward Jones, who recognized Olivia had artistic talent in her art through sketching and painting. They encouraged her art, and bought her supplies.
Her foster parents introduce Olivia to their friend, Benjamin who owns a gallery, who was very impressed with her paintings and offers to exhibit her collection. What followed was art college and falling in love with Joe, a student in the class. Joe invites Olivia to a family villa in Spain over the Christmas holidays and she accepts.
But Joe betrayed her, she finds out her boyfriend's cheating on her. But soon, the cheating is the least of her problems and her nightmare begins.
Restrained by a monster, held captive in his web, she must find a way to escape from her attic cell.
The depth of the characters is enriched through 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 that I saw coming is one that you won’t forget.
Many thanks to the author, Boldwood Books and Netgalley for my digital copy.
April 8, 2026
The Girl in the Attic by John Nicholl is an absolutely gripping, dark, and heart-racing psychological thriller that completely consumed me from start to finish. Having read many of Nicholl’s books, I can confidently say he has done it again—this is another unforgettable, edge-of-your-seat read that proves exactly why he’s a must-read author in this genre.
From the very first pages, I was pulled into Olivia’s world—a life already shaped by trauma, abandonment, and hardship, only to spiral into something even more terrifying. Nicholl’s writing is so vivid and immersive that you don’t just read Olivia’s story—you feel it. The fear, the tension, the desperation—it all comes alive in a way that is both haunting and impossible to look away from.
The storyline is completely addictive. This is one of those books where you genuinely need to clear your schedule because once you start, there’s no stopping. I flew through it in one sitting, desperate to see how everything would unfold. It’s packed with suspense, tension, and emotional intensity, blending psychological depth with shocking, unsettling moments that keep your heart racing the entire time.
What really stood out to me was the character work. Olivia is such a complex and compelling protagonist—vulnerable yet strong, shaped by her past but constantly fighting to survive her present. Nicholl has a talent for creating characters that feel incredibly real, drawing out such powerful emotions from the reader. You’ll feel fear, anger, heartbreak—and at times, even question everything you think you know.
The atmosphere is equally powerful. The claustrophobic setting, combined with the slow unraveling of Olivia’s story, creates a constant sense of dread that builds beautifully throughout. Nicholl masterfully balances a slow-burn buildup with moments of intense, shocking payoff, making the entire reading experience utterly addictive.
This is not a light read—but if you love gritty, twisty, and deeply psychological thrillers that push boundaries and keep you completely hooked, this is an absolute must-read.
Overall, this is a dark, disturbing, and completely unputdownable thriller that will stay with me for a long time. Another incredible success from John Nicholl—I’m already looking forward to whatever he writes next.
✨ Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC—these are my honest thoughts.
From the very first pages, I was pulled into Olivia’s world—a life already shaped by trauma, abandonment, and hardship, only to spiral into something even more terrifying. Nicholl’s writing is so vivid and immersive that you don’t just read Olivia’s story—you feel it. The fear, the tension, the desperation—it all comes alive in a way that is both haunting and impossible to look away from.
The storyline is completely addictive. This is one of those books where you genuinely need to clear your schedule because once you start, there’s no stopping. I flew through it in one sitting, desperate to see how everything would unfold. It’s packed with suspense, tension, and emotional intensity, blending psychological depth with shocking, unsettling moments that keep your heart racing the entire time.
What really stood out to me was the character work. Olivia is such a complex and compelling protagonist—vulnerable yet strong, shaped by her past but constantly fighting to survive her present. Nicholl has a talent for creating characters that feel incredibly real, drawing out such powerful emotions from the reader. You’ll feel fear, anger, heartbreak—and at times, even question everything you think you know.
The atmosphere is equally powerful. The claustrophobic setting, combined with the slow unraveling of Olivia’s story, creates a constant sense of dread that builds beautifully throughout. Nicholl masterfully balances a slow-burn buildup with moments of intense, shocking payoff, making the entire reading experience utterly addictive.
This is not a light read—but if you love gritty, twisty, and deeply psychological thrillers that push boundaries and keep you completely hooked, this is an absolute must-read.
Overall, this is a dark, disturbing, and completely unputdownable thriller that will stay with me for a long time. Another incredible success from John Nicholl—I’m already looking forward to whatever he writes next.
✨ Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC—these are my honest thoughts.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Olivia Ashford has not had the easiest life, taken away from her neglectful parents when she was ten, pushed from one foster family to another until, at the age of fourteen she's placed with Eva and Edward and her life changes for the better, she's finally found a place where she's safe and loved and they, seeing how talented she is at art encourage her to express herself through her painting. At the age of eighteen she leaves her foster parents and goes to art college, she meets another student, Joe on her first day, everything is going well until they go on holiday together but, after falling out with Joe, she encounters a man who changes her world forever, back home she finds herself trapped in his attic and, having to obey his every word, Olivia knows if she wants to survive this ordeal, she needs to play the long game.
Told from the perspective of Olivia, The Girl in the Attic, the latest thriller by this author takes us on a dark and very disturbing journey of a girl who, for years, was treated like a nobody, suffered abuse while under the supposed care of her parents and then thrown into the care system where she was passed from pillar to post and never believed herself good enough, until Eva and Edward and her self belief began to grow, only to be dashed again by Joe so, when Sir Charles Fairfax deems to show her some attention, she believes it to come from a good place. Sadly, this man is a depraved deviant who has taken her under his wing so she can dance to his tune and he can mould her into his protege. As with Nicholl's previous work, this story takes us into the realms of the sick and twisted that walk amongst us every day, hiding in plain sight, purporting to be as sane as the next person. This was a slow burner to begin with but, as Olivia began telling us about her back story and how she came to be the girl in the attic, it became so much more. Another gripping read, that had me totally invested in Olivia's plight, praying that she would get the upper hand in the end.
I'd like to thank Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the approval, I will post my review on Goodreads now and Amazon on publication day.
Told from the perspective of Olivia, The Girl in the Attic, the latest thriller by this author takes us on a dark and very disturbing journey of a girl who, for years, was treated like a nobody, suffered abuse while under the supposed care of her parents and then thrown into the care system where she was passed from pillar to post and never believed herself good enough, until Eva and Edward and her self belief began to grow, only to be dashed again by Joe so, when Sir Charles Fairfax deems to show her some attention, she believes it to come from a good place. Sadly, this man is a depraved deviant who has taken her under his wing so she can dance to his tune and he can mould her into his protege. As with Nicholl's previous work, this story takes us into the realms of the sick and twisted that walk amongst us every day, hiding in plain sight, purporting to be as sane as the next person. This was a slow burner to begin with but, as Olivia began telling us about her back story and how she came to be the girl in the attic, it became so much more. Another gripping read, that had me totally invested in Olivia's plight, praying that she would get the upper hand in the end.
I'd like to thank Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the approval, I will post my review on Goodreads now and Amazon on publication day.
April 10, 2026
Olivia had a very disturbed early life ending with being taken into care but then was placed with foster parents who showed her love and encouraged her talent in painting. Her dark past showed through in her artwork and when a gallery owner friend of theirs hosted an exhibition for the 17-year-old, she became an overnight success. Still living in Carmarthen, she went to art college and fell in love with another student, Joe. But all this time, a monster already had Olivia in his sights and the future that looked so promising was soon about to become more sinister than she had ever known before. Feeling unloved and betrayed by Joe, she falls into the clutches of Sir Charles Fairfax - dark deranged Charles, another artist with a very different choice of medium - and becomes the girl in the attic, manipulated and held captive, and plotting her way out. For Olivia has always been a survivor, and now she will do whatever it takes to stay alive.
The first part is very much a slow burn, setting out the scene and the events that lead the vulnerable Olivia to her predicament. Just as I was wondering where this might go, the pace ramps up and changes direction dramatically. I didn’t take to Olivia as well as I thought I would. Sometimes she comes over as incredibly mature and wise, but then at other times she reveals a naivety at odds with her early life, for example what teenager would not be searching the internet for information on someone she had just met, especially if there were any misgivings? The second half is gripping and faster moving but possibly this is not my favourite book by this author as it seemed to lack enough suspense and tension for me. There is a great association with a character from another story which I’m sure will make readers want to catch up with him if they haven’t already done so, and there’s plenty to mess with the reader’s head in this shocking thriller.
The first part is very much a slow burn, setting out the scene and the events that lead the vulnerable Olivia to her predicament. Just as I was wondering where this might go, the pace ramps up and changes direction dramatically. I didn’t take to Olivia as well as I thought I would. Sometimes she comes over as incredibly mature and wise, but then at other times she reveals a naivety at odds with her early life, for example what teenager would not be searching the internet for information on someone she had just met, especially if there were any misgivings? The second half is gripping and faster moving but possibly this is not my favourite book by this author as it seemed to lack enough suspense and tension for me. There is a great association with a character from another story which I’m sure will make readers want to catch up with him if they haven’t already done so, and there’s plenty to mess with the reader’s head in this shocking thriller.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Girl in the Attic is a dark, unsettling psychological thriller that grips from the first line and never loosens its hold. Olivia’s voice carries the story with a raw, bruised honesty — a woman who has known darkness all her life, only to discover that true terror waits for her in the attic where she’s being held. The opening chapters hum with claustrophobia, the cold under the eaves settling into your bones as Olivia begins to piece together how she ended up there, and what her captor really wants.
What makes this story so compelling is the tension between who Olivia has been told she is and who she might actually be. Her memories flicker like faulty lights — sharp, painful, and edged with something dangerous. The years in care homes, the fear of abandonment, the shadows she’s learned to live with… all of it feeds into a narrative where nothing is straightforward, least of all Olivia herself. The book leans into that ambiguity beautifully, letting the reader sit in the discomfort of not knowing whether to fear for her or fear her.
The pacing is taut, the atmosphere thick with dread, and the sense of being watched — controlled, studied — gives the entire novel a chilling intimacy. As Olivia begins to plan her escape, the story shifts from pure survival to something far more complex. The real twist isn’t just in what happened to her, but in what she’s capable of when pushed to the edge. The line between victim and threat blurs in a way that feels both shocking and inevitable.
This is a gripping, twist‑laden thriller that thrives on psychological tension rather than gore, and it delivers a final act that bites hard. Fans of Daniel Hurst, TM Logan, and Frieda McFadden will devour it, but it’s Olivia’s unsettling, unforgettable voice that lingers long after the last page.
With thanks to John Nicholl, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
What makes this story so compelling is the tension between who Olivia has been told she is and who she might actually be. Her memories flicker like faulty lights — sharp, painful, and edged with something dangerous. The years in care homes, the fear of abandonment, the shadows she’s learned to live with… all of it feeds into a narrative where nothing is straightforward, least of all Olivia herself. The book leans into that ambiguity beautifully, letting the reader sit in the discomfort of not knowing whether to fear for her or fear her.
The pacing is taut, the atmosphere thick with dread, and the sense of being watched — controlled, studied — gives the entire novel a chilling intimacy. As Olivia begins to plan her escape, the story shifts from pure survival to something far more complex. The real twist isn’t just in what happened to her, but in what she’s capable of when pushed to the edge. The line between victim and threat blurs in a way that feels both shocking and inevitable.
This is a gripping, twist‑laden thriller that thrives on psychological tension rather than gore, and it delivers a final act that bites hard. Fans of Daniel Hurst, TM Logan, and Frieda McFadden will devour it, but it’s Olivia’s unsettling, unforgettable voice that lingers long after the last page.
With thanks to John Nicholl, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Disturbingly Realistic Thriller (4/5 Stars)
John Nicholl delivers a slow-burn nightmare that really gets going once it hits its stride.
What Works:
The story takes a bit to get moving, but everything changes when Charles shows up. From there, Nicholl doesn't let up. Olivia is the real standout here. The author writes her emotional state so well. You really feel how broken she is from her childhood, and as things get worse, you find yourself wondering if she'll snap or stay strong. That tension kept me hooked.
What really got under my skin was how believable this all felt. I've read my share of psychological thrillers, but this one felt like it could actually happen. It makes you think twice about people you pass on the street-how normal someone can look while hiding something dark. That realism stuck with me.
What Falls Short:
The ending felt rushed, like the author suddenly realized he needed to wrap things up and crammed everything into the last two chapters. After such careful buildup, that sudden finish was disappointing.
Moreover, the gore was also pretty intense. It definitely made things creepy and effective, but some scenes were more disturbing than I personally prefer.
Verdict:
The Girl in the Attic is a solid, immersive thriller that works because it feels real. Olivia's journey and that creeping sense of plausibility elevate it above standard fare. Despite the rushed ending and occasional excess, the author clearly knows how to get in your head. I'd definitely check out his other books.
Perfect for: Fans of realistic domestic thrillers, strong character work, and stories that blur the line between victim and villain.
John Nicholl delivers a slow-burn nightmare that really gets going once it hits its stride.
What Works:
The story takes a bit to get moving, but everything changes when Charles shows up. From there, Nicholl doesn't let up. Olivia is the real standout here. The author writes her emotional state so well. You really feel how broken she is from her childhood, and as things get worse, you find yourself wondering if she'll snap or stay strong. That tension kept me hooked.
What really got under my skin was how believable this all felt. I've read my share of psychological thrillers, but this one felt like it could actually happen. It makes you think twice about people you pass on the street-how normal someone can look while hiding something dark. That realism stuck with me.
What Falls Short:
The ending felt rushed, like the author suddenly realized he needed to wrap things up and crammed everything into the last two chapters. After such careful buildup, that sudden finish was disappointing.
Moreover, the gore was also pretty intense. It definitely made things creepy and effective, but some scenes were more disturbing than I personally prefer.
Verdict:
The Girl in the Attic is a solid, immersive thriller that works because it feels real. Olivia's journey and that creeping sense of plausibility elevate it above standard fare. Despite the rushed ending and occasional excess, the author clearly knows how to get in your head. I'd definitely check out his other books.
Perfect for: Fans of realistic domestic thrillers, strong character work, and stories that blur the line between victim and villain.
Review of advance copy
4.25*
Not what I was expecting—but I don’t mean that in a negative way!
Set in Carmarthen, Wales, UK 🇬🇧 with part of the story unfolding in Lanzarote in the Canary Islands, this book blends a touch of romance with heaps of suspense—and, be warned, there are moments of mild horror 😳⚠️.
I really loved the author’s writing style. In the first half, we get to know Olivia, the main female character, who has grown up in several foster homes and endured her share of mistreatment. Thankfully, her current placement is safe and loving, and for the first time, she feels truly happy. It’s here that she discovers art, which becomes her refuge—a way to express herself honestly—and it soon becomes clear she has real talent. Through her art and time at college, she encounters the turning point of her story… but I won’t say more to avoid spoilers.
Olivia is a likeable character—perhaps a bit too trusting at times—but I found myself rooting for her, especially when things start to go wrong. Around the halfway mark, the story takes a darker, more intense turn. From there, the tension builds at a steady pace, and I was completely hooked through to the end.
The first half cleverly hints at the trouble ahead without revealing who or how, which kept me turning the pages quickly. If you enjoy dark thrillers with a touch of horror, this one is definitely for you.
I’ll absolutely be looking out for more from this author—he writes suspense perfectly, and this is exactly the kind of thriller I love!
I received a free advanced reader copy and am leaving my honest review voluntarily. My thanks to #@NetGalley and #BoldwoodBooks and the author for the opportunity to read and review this fantastic book.
Not what I was expecting—but I don’t mean that in a negative way!
Set in Carmarthen, Wales, UK 🇬🇧 with part of the story unfolding in Lanzarote in the Canary Islands, this book blends a touch of romance with heaps of suspense—and, be warned, there are moments of mild horror 😳⚠️.
I really loved the author’s writing style. In the first half, we get to know Olivia, the main female character, who has grown up in several foster homes and endured her share of mistreatment. Thankfully, her current placement is safe and loving, and for the first time, she feels truly happy. It’s here that she discovers art, which becomes her refuge—a way to express herself honestly—and it soon becomes clear she has real talent. Through her art and time at college, she encounters the turning point of her story… but I won’t say more to avoid spoilers.
Olivia is a likeable character—perhaps a bit too trusting at times—but I found myself rooting for her, especially when things start to go wrong. Around the halfway mark, the story takes a darker, more intense turn. From there, the tension builds at a steady pace, and I was completely hooked through to the end.
The first half cleverly hints at the trouble ahead without revealing who or how, which kept me turning the pages quickly. If you enjoy dark thrillers with a touch of horror, this one is definitely for you.
I’ll absolutely be looking out for more from this author—he writes suspense perfectly, and this is exactly the kind of thriller I love!
I received a free advanced reader copy and am leaving my honest review voluntarily. My thanks to #@NetGalley and #BoldwoodBooks and the author for the opportunity to read and review this fantastic book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A Haunting, Slow-Burn Survival Tale
If you’re a thriller fan who usually guns for high-speed chases and breakneck pacing, The Girl in the Attic might require a little bit of patience—but trust me, the payoff is worth the wait. This isn't your standard "victim in a cellar" trope; it’s something much more atmospheric and unsettling.
What Hooked Me
The writing is genuinely beautiful. John Nicholl has a way of making the darkness feel tactile. Olivia’s background—the trauma of the care system and her constant fear of abandonment—isn’t just "flavor text." It’s woven into her survival instincts in a way that makes her feel incredibly real.
Once the story finds its stride, it evolves into a fascinating psychological chess match. The blurb hints that Olivia isn't as innocent as she looks, and watching that inner darkness unfold is easily the best part of the book. It’s rare to find a thriller that balances emotional depth with a genuine "creepy" factor so well.
My Gripes
I’m knocking off a star because the middle section dragged a bit for me. There is a lot of focus on the mechanics of her captivity—specifically the repetition regarding the handcuffs—that started to feel a bit "samey." I get that it’s meant to convey the monotony and despair of being trapped, but as a reader, I wanted the plot to move just a hair faster during those chapters.
The Verdict: 4/5 Stars
This is a "quiet" thriller that sneaks up on you. It’s emotively written and feels distinct from the usual entries in the genre, even if I can't quite put my finger on the "why" without spoiling the experience. If you can handle a slower fuse, you’ll find a story that bites back.
If you’re a thriller fan who usually guns for high-speed chases and breakneck pacing, The Girl in the Attic might require a little bit of patience—but trust me, the payoff is worth the wait. This isn't your standard "victim in a cellar" trope; it’s something much more atmospheric and unsettling.
What Hooked Me
The writing is genuinely beautiful. John Nicholl has a way of making the darkness feel tactile. Olivia’s background—the trauma of the care system and her constant fear of abandonment—isn’t just "flavor text." It’s woven into her survival instincts in a way that makes her feel incredibly real.
Once the story finds its stride, it evolves into a fascinating psychological chess match. The blurb hints that Olivia isn't as innocent as she looks, and watching that inner darkness unfold is easily the best part of the book. It’s rare to find a thriller that balances emotional depth with a genuine "creepy" factor so well.
My Gripes
I’m knocking off a star because the middle section dragged a bit for me. There is a lot of focus on the mechanics of her captivity—specifically the repetition regarding the handcuffs—that started to feel a bit "samey." I get that it’s meant to convey the monotony and despair of being trapped, but as a reader, I wanted the plot to move just a hair faster during those chapters.
The Verdict: 4/5 Stars
This is a "quiet" thriller that sneaks up on you. It’s emotively written and feels distinct from the usual entries in the genre, even if I can't quite put my finger on the "why" without spoiling the experience. If you can handle a slower fuse, you’ll find a story that bites back.
April 9, 2026
tt: @theaarontodd | ig: @aarontoddreads
📖 Aaron Reads | Book Review
The Girl in the Attic x John Nicholl
ARC: Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books!
⭐ Star Rating: 2
🔪 AT Intensity: 3.5
This one had a strong premise and some genuinely unsettling ideas! The biggest issue for me was the prose.
There’s a constant stream of descriptions, internal thoughts, and lyrical phrasing, and it felt hollow. Instead of pulling me into the character’s fear so I could experience it for myself, I was kept at a distance by being told what to feel. I value writing that gives me the opportunity to feel the emotions rather than it being explained to me.
The pacing was a challenge for me. The action didn’t kick-in until around the 50% mark, which made the first half feel dense. Once it did pick up, there were moments that had potential, especially in terms of concept, but it wasn’t enough to recover from how disconnected the beginning felt for me. Not to say that this isn’t an easy to read, because it is. My challenge was more with the sentence structure and the heavy use of adjectives and description, rather than sentences that actually move the plot forward.
The antagonist had potential, but his dialogue seemed repetitive and overly formulaic. I wanted to be afraid of him, and the subject matter certainly calls for that, but I wasn’t.
There are definitely disturbing elements and, again, descriptions that try to push this into a level of intensity that would typically be interesting for me! Unfortunately, it felt more described than experienced which ultimately is why I can’t rate this higher.
📖 Aaron Reads | Book Review
The Girl in the Attic x John Nicholl
ARC: Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books!
⭐ Star Rating: 2
🔪 AT Intensity: 3.5
This one had a strong premise and some genuinely unsettling ideas! The biggest issue for me was the prose.
There’s a constant stream of descriptions, internal thoughts, and lyrical phrasing, and it felt hollow. Instead of pulling me into the character’s fear so I could experience it for myself, I was kept at a distance by being told what to feel. I value writing that gives me the opportunity to feel the emotions rather than it being explained to me.
The pacing was a challenge for me. The action didn’t kick-in until around the 50% mark, which made the first half feel dense. Once it did pick up, there were moments that had potential, especially in terms of concept, but it wasn’t enough to recover from how disconnected the beginning felt for me. Not to say that this isn’t an easy to read, because it is. My challenge was more with the sentence structure and the heavy use of adjectives and description, rather than sentences that actually move the plot forward.
The antagonist had potential, but his dialogue seemed repetitive and overly formulaic. I wanted to be afraid of him, and the subject matter certainly calls for that, but I wasn’t.
There are definitely disturbing elements and, again, descriptions that try to push this into a level of intensity that would typically be interesting for me! Unfortunately, it felt more described than experienced which ultimately is why I can’t rate this higher.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
copied from my book Instagram @justanotherbook10
Finished reading✨️
The Girl In the Attic by @johnnichollauthor
Pub date ~ April 8, 2026
🔥ARC🔥
Thank you @netgalley @boldwoodbooks @johnnichollauthor for the opportunity to read and review this story.
✨️My thoughts✨️
What pulled me in on NetGalley and request the book was the question on the cover, "Are you afraid of the dark?". Since I have finished the story, I can say that question isnt just talking about it being dark as in night time.. Dark as in Olivia's childhood and the fear of being abandoned, stalking, murder, manipulation, and what one would do to survive.
We start The Girl In the Attic by learning about the MFC, Olivia, and her past/present. Its a little slow in the beginning but its worth it. We find out Olivia has a talent for painting and goes to school for it. Unfortunate events just kinda start happening from there. The book does pick up pace around that point and you wont want to put it down. It kept me on the edge of my seat trying to figure things out. Felt like a horror movie at one point. Left me in disbelief the amount of evil someone can do.
I truly didnt think the book ending would end the way it did. Very shocked.
I recommend reading with care as there are dark elements in the story. Just some of those dark elements... gore/body Dismemberment, mental/physical manipulation/trauma.
The Girl In the Attic is a dark and twisted story thats not for the faintest of hearts.
#bookblogger #netgalleyreviewer #boldwoodbooks #johnnichollauthor #darkthriller
Finished reading✨️
The Girl In the Attic by @johnnichollauthor
Pub date ~ April 8, 2026
🔥ARC🔥
Thank you @netgalley @boldwoodbooks @johnnichollauthor for the opportunity to read and review this story.
✨️My thoughts✨️
What pulled me in on NetGalley and request the book was the question on the cover, "Are you afraid of the dark?". Since I have finished the story, I can say that question isnt just talking about it being dark as in night time.. Dark as in Olivia's childhood and the fear of being abandoned, stalking, murder, manipulation, and what one would do to survive.
We start The Girl In the Attic by learning about the MFC, Olivia, and her past/present. Its a little slow in the beginning but its worth it. We find out Olivia has a talent for painting and goes to school for it. Unfortunate events just kinda start happening from there. The book does pick up pace around that point and you wont want to put it down. It kept me on the edge of my seat trying to figure things out. Felt like a horror movie at one point. Left me in disbelief the amount of evil someone can do.
I truly didnt think the book ending would end the way it did. Very shocked.
I recommend reading with care as there are dark elements in the story. Just some of those dark elements... gore/body Dismemberment, mental/physical manipulation/trauma.
The Girl In the Attic is a dark and twisted story thats not for the faintest of hearts.
#bookblogger #netgalleyreviewer #boldwoodbooks #johnnichollauthor #darkthriller
April 14, 2026
I have only 2 words to describe this author - 💕 "Pure Genius!" 💕
The Girl in the Attic by John Nicholl was a very dark psychological thriller that will pull you in from the very beginning and this book is not for faint hearted! WoW this book was so good I ended up reading it until I had finished, I could not put this book down once I start to read it!
This author John Nicholl has a wonderful mind and I just wonder if he ever sleeps without nightmares as this book is a great read for a cold stormy night! Plus to read it just before you go to bed as once you start to read it, you will not put it down - it is so addictive! I loved it.
The main character Olivia was excellent and she has had a start in life and had spent years in foster homes. At the age of a fourteen, she was finally fostered by a couple called Eva and Edward Jones, they recognised she had an artistic talent within her artwork and they started to encouraged her to do more art, and bought her everything she needed to become more creative within this area.
Then, Eva and Edward introduced Olivia to their friend, Benjamin and he owned a art gallery, once he saw her work he was taken back and was so impressed with her paintings, he offers to exhibit all her collection. Olivia goes to art college and falls for a young man who is in her art class called Joe and this is where her life changes all over again!
WoW, quick turn the page over quickly to find out what happens next. . .
Big Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for my ARC.
The Girl in the Attic by John Nicholl was a very dark psychological thriller that will pull you in from the very beginning and this book is not for faint hearted! WoW this book was so good I ended up reading it until I had finished, I could not put this book down once I start to read it!
This author John Nicholl has a wonderful mind and I just wonder if he ever sleeps without nightmares as this book is a great read for a cold stormy night! Plus to read it just before you go to bed as once you start to read it, you will not put it down - it is so addictive! I loved it.
The main character Olivia was excellent and she has had a start in life and had spent years in foster homes. At the age of a fourteen, she was finally fostered by a couple called Eva and Edward Jones, they recognised she had an artistic talent within her artwork and they started to encouraged her to do more art, and bought her everything she needed to become more creative within this area.
Then, Eva and Edward introduced Olivia to their friend, Benjamin and he owned a art gallery, once he saw her work he was taken back and was so impressed with her paintings, he offers to exhibit all her collection. Olivia goes to art college and falls for a young man who is in her art class called Joe and this is where her life changes all over again!
WoW, quick turn the page over quickly to find out what happens next. . .
Big Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for my ARC.
April 16, 2026
I had to think on this for a bit… I didn’t love it but I enjoyed sorts of it.
"The Girl in the Attic" by John Nicholl is undeniably a unique read, diverging from the typical thriller formula and offering a deep, often unsettling dive into the mind of its protagonist. What Nicholl does exceptionally well is getting inside the FMC's head. The narrative feels raw and authentic, portraying her thoughts, fears, and struggles with remarkable depth. This internal focus is the book's greatest strength, making the reader truly feel the confinement and emotional turmoil.
However, the story does take a significant amount of time to gain momentum. The build-up is extensive, with a lot of attention dedicated to establishing the backstory and the FMC's internal world before the main plot really begins to unfold. While this depth is admirable, it sacrifices the fast pace often associated with the genre. I often found myself waiting for something more to happen, for the tension to escalate more quickly.
For a story that hints at thriller elements, it didn't quite deliver the level of suspense or psychological twists I was anticipating. The direction felt uncertain at times, leaving me wondering where it was all heading. While the exploration of the Olivia’s psyche was compelling, I would have enjoyed more of the heart-pounding moments and page-turning momentum typical of a gripping thriller.
It's a solid 3-star read for its character work, but could have benefited from a more dynamic pace and greater suspense.
"The Girl in the Attic" by John Nicholl is undeniably a unique read, diverging from the typical thriller formula and offering a deep, often unsettling dive into the mind of its protagonist. What Nicholl does exceptionally well is getting inside the FMC's head. The narrative feels raw and authentic, portraying her thoughts, fears, and struggles with remarkable depth. This internal focus is the book's greatest strength, making the reader truly feel the confinement and emotional turmoil.
However, the story does take a significant amount of time to gain momentum. The build-up is extensive, with a lot of attention dedicated to establishing the backstory and the FMC's internal world before the main plot really begins to unfold. While this depth is admirable, it sacrifices the fast pace often associated with the genre. I often found myself waiting for something more to happen, for the tension to escalate more quickly.
For a story that hints at thriller elements, it didn't quite deliver the level of suspense or psychological twists I was anticipating. The direction felt uncertain at times, leaving me wondering where it was all heading. While the exploration of the Olivia’s psyche was compelling, I would have enjoyed more of the heart-pounding moments and page-turning momentum typical of a gripping thriller.
It's a solid 3-star read for its character work, but could have benefited from a more dynamic pace and greater suspense.
Read
March 9, 2026WOW The Girl in the Attic (Kindle Edition) by John Nicholl, a dark twisty chilling psychological thriller. This is my first time reading a thriller by John Nicholl.
Olivia was put into care by her parents aged ten years old, then went from one foster home to another. Olivia's foster mother recognised her talent for painting which was therapy for Olivia as she felt feelings of rejection from both her parents and the system.
Her foster parents introduced her to Benjamin who was wiling to exhibit her art at his gallery in Bath at the age of seventeen and she left her foster parents whom she grew attached, to live in a bedsit on her own, and attend art college, where she meets Joe a fellow student whom she falls head over heels in love with.
Joe will break Olivia's heart, and her feelings of rejection resurface once again. Olivia is heartbroken and as she was abroad on holiday in Joe's apartment, she had no-one to turn to or anywhere to live.
Someone has been waiting on the side lines ready to make an appearance, his name is Charles, a much older man, who comes to Olivia's aid.
Unbeknown to Olivia, Charles is not all he appears to be and her life is about to take a drastic turn as he turns her into his apprentice and his attic will be her new abode.
I loved the brilliant and terrifying conclusion of this chilling thriller. I think this thriller would make a really spine chilling movie.
Olivia was put into care by her parents aged ten years old, then went from one foster home to another. Olivia's foster mother recognised her talent for painting which was therapy for Olivia as she felt feelings of rejection from both her parents and the system.
Her foster parents introduced her to Benjamin who was wiling to exhibit her art at his gallery in Bath at the age of seventeen and she left her foster parents whom she grew attached, to live in a bedsit on her own, and attend art college, where she meets Joe a fellow student whom she falls head over heels in love with.
Joe will break Olivia's heart, and her feelings of rejection resurface once again. Olivia is heartbroken and as she was abroad on holiday in Joe's apartment, she had no-one to turn to or anywhere to live.
Someone has been waiting on the side lines ready to make an appearance, his name is Charles, a much older man, who comes to Olivia's aid.
Unbeknown to Olivia, Charles is not all he appears to be and her life is about to take a drastic turn as he turns her into his apprentice and his attic will be her new abode.
I loved the brilliant and terrifying conclusion of this chilling thriller. I think this thriller would make a really spine chilling movie.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I do relish a book by John Nicholl! I adore the way he writes: the way his words flow effortlessly from the page, coupled the darkness you can feel creeping up and the gruesome murders that are sure to follow.
Olivia, our main character, is very damaged by her past – you can almost feel her anguish through the words she writes whilst being held captive by Charles Fairfax. There is also an element of hope in Olivia’s words, and her love of and talent for art give her an avenue to express herself completely. It’s clear she is a survivor and shouldn’t be underestimated by anyone…
Fairfax himself is a disturbed and devious individual, with some repugnant friends – a certain Alexander Aitken for example, a character from one of the authors earlier books (The Surgeon). Fairfax reveals himself to be a monster and shows Olivia what is expected of her if she is going to be allowed to live. Slowly, Olivia adapts to her sickening situation and the choices and sacrifices she is forced to make are heartbreaking – Fairfax really tests her desire to survive. The ‘wow moment’ is when Olivia shows us what she is capable of with her definitive actions being both shocking and warranted.
All in all, ‘The Girl in the Attic’ is a dark and enthralling psychological thriller, which is unsettling at times and probably not for the faint hearted. Very highly recommended.
Olivia, our main character, is very damaged by her past – you can almost feel her anguish through the words she writes whilst being held captive by Charles Fairfax. There is also an element of hope in Olivia’s words, and her love of and talent for art give her an avenue to express herself completely. It’s clear she is a survivor and shouldn’t be underestimated by anyone…
Fairfax himself is a disturbed and devious individual, with some repugnant friends – a certain Alexander Aitken for example, a character from one of the authors earlier books (The Surgeon). Fairfax reveals himself to be a monster and shows Olivia what is expected of her if she is going to be allowed to live. Slowly, Olivia adapts to her sickening situation and the choices and sacrifices she is forced to make are heartbreaking – Fairfax really tests her desire to survive. The ‘wow moment’ is when Olivia shows us what she is capable of with her definitive actions being both shocking and warranted.
All in all, ‘The Girl in the Attic’ is a dark and enthralling psychological thriller, which is unsettling at times and probably not for the faint hearted. Very highly recommended.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Girl in the Attic had an interesting premise and definitely had moments that kept me curious, but overall it felt a bit uneven. The atmosphere and mystery were set up well in the beginning, and the idea behind the story was intriguing enough to keep me reading.
However, the pacing was quite slow for a large portion of the book. It took until about halfway through before the story really started to dive into the main plot, which made the first half feel longer than it needed to be. While the buildup helped establish some background and tension, it sometimes felt like the narrative was dragging rather than building suspense.
Once the story finally picked up, it became much more engaging. The revelations and twists toward the latter part were interesting and added the kind of tension I had been hoping for earlier on. Unfortunately, the ending felt rushed compared to the slower pace of the rest of the book. After such a long buildup, it wrapped up very quickly, which made the conclusion feel a little less satisfying than it could have been.
Overall, The Girl in the Attic is an intriguing thriller with a strong concept, but the pacing issues and quick ending made it a bit of a mixed experience for me. It’s still worth a read if you enjoy slow-burn mysteries, but be prepared for a gradual start.
However, the pacing was quite slow for a large portion of the book. It took until about halfway through before the story really started to dive into the main plot, which made the first half feel longer than it needed to be. While the buildup helped establish some background and tension, it sometimes felt like the narrative was dragging rather than building suspense.
Once the story finally picked up, it became much more engaging. The revelations and twists toward the latter part were interesting and added the kind of tension I had been hoping for earlier on. Unfortunately, the ending felt rushed compared to the slower pace of the rest of the book. After such a long buildup, it wrapped up very quickly, which made the conclusion feel a little less satisfying than it could have been.
Overall, The Girl in the Attic is an intriguing thriller with a strong concept, but the pacing issues and quick ending made it a bit of a mixed experience for me. It’s still worth a read if you enjoy slow-burn mysteries, but be prepared for a gradual start.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I went into this expecting a dark thriller, but The Girl in the Attic honestly surprised me.
At the start, it’s definitely a slow burn. You get a lot of Olivia’s backstory—her childhood, time in care, all the trauma she’s been through. It builds her character really well, but I’ll admit it took me a little while to fully get into it.
Then about halfway through… it shifts. And from that point on, I was completely hooked.
The atmosphere is super claustrophobic—like you can actually feel how cold and trapped she is in that attic. It’s not just scary, it’s uncomfortable in a way that really sticks with you.
Olivia as a character is interesting. She’s likeable, maybe a bit too trusting at times, but you do root for her. And as things start getting darker, you realise there’s more to her than you first thought.
I also loved that Lanzarote was mentioned at the start—I’ve got a soft spot for it, so that was a nice little touch for me.
The tension builds really well toward the end, and even though I kind of saw the twist coming, it still hit hard. It’s one of those endings that lingers after you’ve finished.
Overall, it’s a dark, unsettling psychological thriller with strong character depth and a really gripping second half. Definitely worth sticking with if you like slow-burn suspense that pays off.
At the start, it’s definitely a slow burn. You get a lot of Olivia’s backstory—her childhood, time in care, all the trauma she’s been through. It builds her character really well, but I’ll admit it took me a little while to fully get into it.
Then about halfway through… it shifts. And from that point on, I was completely hooked.
The atmosphere is super claustrophobic—like you can actually feel how cold and trapped she is in that attic. It’s not just scary, it’s uncomfortable in a way that really sticks with you.
Olivia as a character is interesting. She’s likeable, maybe a bit too trusting at times, but you do root for her. And as things start getting darker, you realise there’s more to her than you first thought.
I also loved that Lanzarote was mentioned at the start—I’ve got a soft spot for it, so that was a nice little touch for me.
The tension builds really well toward the end, and even though I kind of saw the twist coming, it still hit hard. It’s one of those endings that lingers after you’ve finished.
Overall, it’s a dark, unsettling psychological thriller with strong character depth and a really gripping second half. Definitely worth sticking with if you like slow-burn suspense that pays off.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
“The Girl in the Attic” is an interesting read. What I mean by that is that if you read the blurb for the book, it advertises a heart-racing thriller. Instead, what you get is a book that is good, but spends the majority of the time setting up what is advertised in the blurb. It’s giving you background to the character. None of it is bad, but please don’t say it is heart-racing.
Then you finally get to the thriller part, and to be quite honest, it went exactly like I thought it was going to go. But I keep waiting for the big twist or dramatic swerve at the end…only for it to end just like everyone would assume that it would. The book is creative and the ending just felt the opposite of that. There were so many ways the author could have gone just to have everyone talk about the book and highly suggest to everyone. Instead, it was just…just…there. And I have nothing to talk about it. AND…my heart rate barely went up. And that may have been because I tried to get out of my recliner to come get my laptop to type this review.
Good. Could have been really good to great. Instead, read it if you want to but you won’t be missing much.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing an ARC for an unbiased review.
Then you finally get to the thriller part, and to be quite honest, it went exactly like I thought it was going to go. But I keep waiting for the big twist or dramatic swerve at the end…only for it to end just like everyone would assume that it would. The book is creative and the ending just felt the opposite of that. There were so many ways the author could have gone just to have everyone talk about the book and highly suggest to everyone. Instead, it was just…just…there. And I have nothing to talk about it. AND…my heart rate barely went up. And that may have been because I tried to get out of my recliner to come get my laptop to type this review.
Good. Could have been really good to great. Instead, read it if you want to but you won’t be missing much.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing an ARC for an unbiased review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Well this was certainly a heart pounding read and completely unexpected turn of events in this book. Olivia has had an uncertain upbringing and she lacks trust in men, and you can understand why. She tries not to wear her scars and certainly doesnt wear her heart on her sleeve. Too much damage could be occured. She will analyse first before she puts her trust in anyone.
At the start i was captivated by the inner voice of Olivia and how she lives her life, her love of art is beautiful and you do feel the hope building in this book. although you can feel the darkness and tension seep into the writing as each chapter develops.
There is a turn in this book you dont see coming, only the mentally fittest survive in this book, if your squeamish i wouldnt read it, its not for the faint hearted as some elements are dark. A very dark chilling read with some disturbing behaviours. Olivia adapts to a very bad set of circumstances and has to make some choices that are part of a sacrifice and survival, this book really tests her mental ability to survive.
If you want a book you cannot put down this is for you, If i hadnt have had to work all day it would have been completed in 24 hours.
Thanks to Netgalley for this advanced reader copy.
At the start i was captivated by the inner voice of Olivia and how she lives her life, her love of art is beautiful and you do feel the hope building in this book. although you can feel the darkness and tension seep into the writing as each chapter develops.
There is a turn in this book you dont see coming, only the mentally fittest survive in this book, if your squeamish i wouldnt read it, its not for the faint hearted as some elements are dark. A very dark chilling read with some disturbing behaviours. Olivia adapts to a very bad set of circumstances and has to make some choices that are part of a sacrifice and survival, this book really tests her mental ability to survive.
If you want a book you cannot put down this is for you, If i hadnt have had to work all day it would have been completed in 24 hours.
Thanks to Netgalley for this advanced reader copy.
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