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Girls to the Front
She’s with the band.
She wants them dead.
A dead body. A woman with blood on her hands. Will footage on an old videotape and some dark magic uncover the truth?
When Roma finds an old VHS tape in a house clearance box, she’s drawn into a deadly crime that took place over 30 years ago.
Roma’s discoveries lead her towards a rock band with a bad reputation - and a meeting with a mysterious woman named Kat. But are the crimes on the tape really confined to the past?
A revenge thriller teeming with feminist fury and 90s nostalgia.
"Propulsive, fierce and hugely satisfying, Girls to the Front is a feminist tour de force!" Lisa Timoney, author of The Daughter She Gave Away
“A dark, feminist thriller with a punk protagonist exacting her revenge like a real life Martha Splatterhead.” Adem Tepedelen, Co-author of Mud Ride: A Messy Trip Through the Grunge Explosion
"Girls to the Front shines a powerful light on neglected aspects of an era so formative for those in my generation. It is Lucy Nichol's most powerful work so far." Guy Mankowski, author of bestselling substack biography 'I Know How to Live: The Life of Kristen Pfaff'
"A dark, but disturbingly accurate, look into misogyny in the music industry, the power of female rage, and why safe spaces for everyone at live music shows are crucial." Cheri Amour, music journalist and author of Come Away With ESG
She wants them dead.
A dead body. A woman with blood on her hands. Will footage on an old videotape and some dark magic uncover the truth?
When Roma finds an old VHS tape in a house clearance box, she’s drawn into a deadly crime that took place over 30 years ago.
Roma’s discoveries lead her towards a rock band with a bad reputation - and a meeting with a mysterious woman named Kat. But are the crimes on the tape really confined to the past?
A revenge thriller teeming with feminist fury and 90s nostalgia.
"Propulsive, fierce and hugely satisfying, Girls to the Front is a feminist tour de force!" Lisa Timoney, author of The Daughter She Gave Away
“A dark, feminist thriller with a punk protagonist exacting her revenge like a real life Martha Splatterhead.” Adem Tepedelen, Co-author of Mud Ride: A Messy Trip Through the Grunge Explosion
"Girls to the Front shines a powerful light on neglected aspects of an era so formative for those in my generation. It is Lucy Nichol's most powerful work so far." Guy Mankowski, author of bestselling substack biography 'I Know How to Live: The Life of Kristen Pfaff'
"A dark, but disturbingly accurate, look into misogyny in the music industry, the power of female rage, and why safe spaces for everyone at live music shows are crucial." Cheri Amour, music journalist and author of Come Away With ESG
262 pages, ebook
Published October 16, 2025
2 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
Lucy Nichol
8 books87 followersLucy, whose author names are Lucy Nichol and Lucy Roth, writes fiction and non fiction with a love of comedy, nostalgia, music and busting mental health myths.
She is also a freelance writer, mental health advocate and PR consultant whose work has appeared in The Independent, The I Paper, NME, Red Magazine, Den of Geek, Huff Post and many more. She is passionate about challenging mental health and particularly addiction stigma, has worked with the media in PR and marketing for over 18 years and has experienced anxiety for even longer.
She is also a freelance writer, mental health advocate and PR consultant whose work has appeared in The Independent, The I Paper, NME, Red Magazine, Den of Geek, Huff Post and many more. She is passionate about challenging mental health and particularly addiction stigma, has worked with the media in PR and marketing for over 18 years and has experienced anxiety for even longer.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
November 20, 2025
Nichol’s books are steeped in music and alternative culture, much like 'Girls to the Front'. The title itself comes from a phrase coined by Bikini Kill’s frontwoman Kathleen Hanna during a concert, urging women to make their way to the front of the crowd. That was in the 1990s, yet things still haven't drastically changed, inspiring Nichol to write this book.
The story opens with a police interview room where we learn someone is dead. From there, the narrative shifts between two timelines with Kat in 1995 and Roma in 2024.
In 1995, Kat is taking her friend to a The Razor Heads gig, where her friend attempts a stage dive, only to be groped in the process. Infuriated by this mistreatment, Kat becomes involved in the women to the front campaign
In 2024, Roma works at Electric Dreams, a second-hand shop specializing in video games, music, and films. When she finds a VHS-C tape in a donation box, the contents send her on an unexpected journey…
I loved the strong feminist elements of this one, but also how it included positive representations of men as allies and equals. The messaging of the book is incredibly relevant and important, but 'Girls to the Front' delivers it wrapped up as an entertaining thriller with a mystery to solve. 'Girls to the Front' is absolutely worth your time.
The story opens with a police interview room where we learn someone is dead. From there, the narrative shifts between two timelines with Kat in 1995 and Roma in 2024.
In 1995, Kat is taking her friend to a The Razor Heads gig, where her friend attempts a stage dive, only to be groped in the process. Infuriated by this mistreatment, Kat becomes involved in the women to the front campaign
In 2024, Roma works at Electric Dreams, a second-hand shop specializing in video games, music, and films. When she finds a VHS-C tape in a donation box, the contents send her on an unexpected journey…
I loved the strong feminist elements of this one, but also how it included positive representations of men as allies and equals. The messaging of the book is incredibly relevant and important, but 'Girls to the Front' delivers it wrapped up as an entertaining thriller with a mystery to solve. 'Girls to the Front' is absolutely worth your time.
August 1, 2025
Girls To The Front is a revenge thriller that is packed with 90’s nostalgia and feminist fury.
The story opens in 2024 with Roma in a police interview. The book alternates between Roma in 2024 and Kat in 1995.
Roma works in Electric Dreams- a shop that sells second hand, retro items. When a box is dropped off from a house clearance, that contains a video tape and a note, Roma is curious.
In 1995, Kat works for the Uni newspaper. After attending a gig with her friend who is sexually assaulted, Kat vows to bring justice to her friend and others who have come forward.
I read When Sally Killed Harry by Lucy earlier this year and really enjoyed. I loved how this had a similar feel.
Girls To The Front is a fairly short, fast paced story that gripped me from the start. I loved going back and forth between the 2 pov, and was keen to understand how the 2 timelines and characters linked.
Thank you to the author for the advance copy of this book. Opinions expressed here are my own.
The story opens in 2024 with Roma in a police interview. The book alternates between Roma in 2024 and Kat in 1995.
Roma works in Electric Dreams- a shop that sells second hand, retro items. When a box is dropped off from a house clearance, that contains a video tape and a note, Roma is curious.
In 1995, Kat works for the Uni newspaper. After attending a gig with her friend who is sexually assaulted, Kat vows to bring justice to her friend and others who have come forward.
I read When Sally Killed Harry by Lucy earlier this year and really enjoyed. I loved how this had a similar feel.
Girls To The Front is a fairly short, fast paced story that gripped me from the start. I loved going back and forth between the 2 pov, and was keen to understand how the 2 timelines and characters linked.
Thank you to the author for the advance copy of this book. Opinions expressed here are my own.
January 26, 2026
I haven't been very motivated to read lately, but I read this in a day. I'm very into books about vengeful women lately (& always), but, fucking hell - Kat McNally is one of those characters who I feel will stay with me & she is very welcome to do so
November 9, 2025
Heartbreaking but excellent. One of the best books I’ve read in a while.
November 5, 2025
I devoured this in two sittings - a rarity for me. Lucy Nichol seems to get better with each book she writes. Great characterisation of people, places and eras, as always. Robust, brave and thoughtful approach to difficult, emotive issues. A pacy thriller with a dark belter of a twist I didn't see coming!
July 19, 2025
Wow! I absolutely loved this book. I've been a fan of Lucy Nichol's work for a while, and this is her best one yet.
Girls To The Front had me gripped right from the start, and moves seamlessly between characters and timelines as the story unfolds.
Strongly recommended.
Huge thanks to the author for providing an ARC.
Girls To The Front had me gripped right from the start, and moves seamlessly between characters and timelines as the story unfolds.
Strongly recommended.
Huge thanks to the author for providing an ARC.
January 15, 2026
I found out about this book and this author due to accursed IG algorithms . I say accursed , but I am glad I did.
This book succeeds in doing many things.
First it evokes the feeling of being in alternative clubs and venues in the 1990's . I can see myself in the background flicking my badly plaited dreads about in the ciggy smoke as I swig Purple Witches.
It throws a neon spotlight on the ingrained violence and misogyny in the holier than thou indie/alt rock scene.
It made me question my own rose tinted view as a bloke.
Lucy Nichols holds up a mirror - not just to men and what is now known as toxic masculinity and abusive behaviour but mainly and most importantly to women - both young and middle aged to show how much power there is once someone believes in their truth .
Now all this is well and good but if the story is lacking then it could just be a well meaning essay of nostalgia.
Nichols weaves her narrative in and out of the nineties and present day perfectly and captivated me from the first chapter. I read the book in three sittings - something I have not done in years - distracted as I am with phones and music.
Girls indeed to the front.
Go check out music by Svalbard and War on Women.
This book succeeds in doing many things.
First it evokes the feeling of being in alternative clubs and venues in the 1990's . I can see myself in the background flicking my badly plaited dreads about in the ciggy smoke as I swig Purple Witches.
It throws a neon spotlight on the ingrained violence and misogyny in the holier than thou indie/alt rock scene.
It made me question my own rose tinted view as a bloke.
Lucy Nichols holds up a mirror - not just to men and what is now known as toxic masculinity and abusive behaviour but mainly and most importantly to women - both young and middle aged to show how much power there is once someone believes in their truth .
Now all this is well and good but if the story is lacking then it could just be a well meaning essay of nostalgia.
Nichols weaves her narrative in and out of the nineties and present day perfectly and captivated me from the first chapter. I read the book in three sittings - something I have not done in years - distracted as I am with phones and music.
Girls indeed to the front.
Go check out music by Svalbard and War on Women.
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August 7, 2025Girl to the front
After reading when Sally killed Harry and researching Lucy’s other books because they are just so fun and nostalgic I was absolutely delighted to be picked to read Girl to the front.
It starts with a police interview at the beginning prologue. Then we head into a dual timeline between Kat 1995 and and Roman 2024.
Without giving too much away it’s based around an event that happened at a gig! Let’s just say it involves a stage dive. I think there is a strong message that comes with this thriller mystery book it’s giving feminist vibes but also positive representation of some men too. It was well worth the read it’s not too long but fleshed out well. I would definitely recommend if you’re looking for a nostalgic mystery thriller it’s a perfect read for just that!
After reading when Sally killed Harry and researching Lucy’s other books because they are just so fun and nostalgic I was absolutely delighted to be picked to read Girl to the front.
It starts with a police interview at the beginning prologue. Then we head into a dual timeline between Kat 1995 and and Roman 2024.
Without giving too much away it’s based around an event that happened at a gig! Let’s just say it involves a stage dive. I think there is a strong message that comes with this thriller mystery book it’s giving feminist vibes but also positive representation of some men too. It was well worth the read it’s not too long but fleshed out well. I would definitely recommend if you’re looking for a nostalgic mystery thriller it’s a perfect read for just that!
February 6, 2026
A bold and gripping feminist thriller that blends 90s punk nostalgia with dark mystery and simmering female rage. Girls to the Front is propulsive, unsettling, and deeply satisfying, shining a sharp light on misogyny in the music industry while delivering a powerful, revenge-fueled story that stays with you long after the final page.
August 15, 2025
A punchy, grunge-era feminist revenge thriller, this is Lucy Nichol at her darkest and absolute best. I was gripped by every page.
August 20, 2025
Another fantastic read by Lucy! Gripping, lots of unexpected turns and yet more fascinating female characters!
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August 29, 2025Full RTC!
November 27, 2025
The book I didn't know that I've been waiting for! Absolutely love how Lucy has depicted the issues in this book in such an incredible way. I devoured this within 24 hours. More like this please! ❣️
January 27, 2026
Such an original plot, with factual undertones.
It's a story that needs to be told, empowering women.
It's a story that needs to be told, empowering women.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews