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DI Gravel #4
Anonymity
Are you looking for a dark and gripping psychological thriller? Then you will love Anonymity by international best-selling author John Nicholl.
When Mia, a successful novelist, is targeted by a stalker, her life begins to unravel.Unaware that the predatory psychopath has placed cameras in her home, the stalker sends untraceable emails, including photos of her and her four-year-old daughter, demanding Mia performs outlandish tasks, threatening dire consequences if she refuses or approaches the police.
As the pressure builds, Adam, Mia’s sister's boyfriend, offers to accompany her to stay in Italy with her parents. But when the villa is burnt down, Mia fears the stalker has followed her and decides to return to Wales.
Meanwhile, the police are investigating the murder of three women in the area, and when DI Gravel’s daughter is threatened, he takes matters into his own hands.
With his health failing and his career coming to an end, just how far will Gravel go to protect his daughter and catch a vicious killer?
Also available in the best-selling DI Gravel Series:
Portraits of The Dead
Before I Met Him
A Cold Cold Heart
Anonymity can be enjoyed as part of the twisty and compelling DI Gravel Series or as a truly unmissable stand-alone. The books can be read in any order and will appeal to fans of authors like Mark Edwards, Rachel Abbott and B A Paris.
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 6, 2018
151 people are currently reading
353 people want to read
About the author
John Nicholl
26 books2,020 followersJohn Nicholl is a Welsh author renowned for his gripping psychological thrillers and crime novels. Born and raised in West Wales, Nicholl draws upon his experiences as a former police officer, child protection social worker, and lecturer to craft compelling narratives that delve into the darkest corners of human nature. His work often explores themes of justice, psychological manipulation, and the resilience of the human spirit.
Nicholl's transition to writing began after leaving a career in law enforcement and social services, where he witnessed the harsh realities of crime and its impact on victims. These experiences lend authenticity and depth to his stories, which are known for their vivid characters, intricate plots, and emotionally charged storytelling.
He debuted with the bestselling novel The Doctor, a chilling psychological thriller that introduced readers to his distinctive style. This was followed by a string of successful novels, including The Wife and The Cop. Nicholl’s books have resonated with readers worldwide, earning him critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base.
In addition to his novels, Nicholl is an advocate for raising awareness about abuse and mental health issues, using his platform to address societal challenges. When not writing, he enjoys the tranquil surroundings of West Wales, where he continues to draw inspiration for his work.
Nicholl's transition to writing began after leaving a career in law enforcement and social services, where he witnessed the harsh realities of crime and its impact on victims. These experiences lend authenticity and depth to his stories, which are known for their vivid characters, intricate plots, and emotionally charged storytelling.
He debuted with the bestselling novel The Doctor, a chilling psychological thriller that introduced readers to his distinctive style. This was followed by a string of successful novels, including The Wife and The Cop. Nicholl’s books have resonated with readers worldwide, earning him critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base.
In addition to his novels, Nicholl is an advocate for raising awareness about abuse and mental health issues, using his platform to address societal challenges. When not writing, he enjoys the tranquil surroundings of West Wales, where he continues to draw inspiration for his work.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
January 5, 2019
Picture this: Someone is watching you, he knows your every move, every plan you make and every word you speak. He refuses to be ignored, taunting you with terrifying messages in an attempt to obligate you do his bidding! Scary right?
😱 That's the premise behind this absolutely chilling thriller! John Nicholl really knows how to get a reader's pulse racing. ☠️🔪
In Anonymity we meet Mia, an author and mom with a 4yr. old daughter. Mia receives terrifying taunting emails that immediately put her on edge. The sender, although anonymous, knows personal details about Mia no stranger should know - unless they are watching her. As the internet stalker's threats intensify, Mia begins to unravel. At the advice of her sister she turns to longtime family friend DI Gravel for help.
Gravel is at a low point in his life. Having recently lost his wife and still on medical leave as he recovers from a heart attack, he spends his days drinking and smoking in excess. Knowing he needs to work to be able to move forward he decides to help Mia. Though Gravel is typically uncouth and rough around the edges I felt real pity for him in this book. There was so much hurt, heartbreak and raw emotion in his scenes. It really left me reeling.
Nicholl reveals the stalker early on in this one. I'm not typically a fan of this strategy but it works here. The main arc here is not about guessing who the stalker is. It's about the sickening cat and mouse game he plays with Mia. As outside observers we know exactly what is happening but it's a nail biting, tense ride. Instead of distracting from the thriller, it adds a heightened layer of trepidation. It was like watching a slasher movie where you find yourself yelling at the screen for characters not to go in a room or run the other way because you know what awaits them.
The plot escalated to an ending that I did NOT expect (maybe because I went into this one blind!). Nicholl knows how to create a spine tingling story. This one gripped me from beginning to end and left me feeling a bit heartbroken.
Thank you to John Nicholl, Bloodhound Books and Netgalley for an arc in exchange for my unbiased, honest opinion.
😱 That's the premise behind this absolutely chilling thriller! John Nicholl really knows how to get a reader's pulse racing. ☠️🔪
In Anonymity we meet Mia, an author and mom with a 4yr. old daughter. Mia receives terrifying taunting emails that immediately put her on edge. The sender, although anonymous, knows personal details about Mia no stranger should know - unless they are watching her. As the internet stalker's threats intensify, Mia begins to unravel. At the advice of her sister she turns to longtime family friend DI Gravel for help.
Gravel is at a low point in his life. Having recently lost his wife and still on medical leave as he recovers from a heart attack, he spends his days drinking and smoking in excess. Knowing he needs to work to be able to move forward he decides to help Mia. Though Gravel is typically uncouth and rough around the edges I felt real pity for him in this book. There was so much hurt, heartbreak and raw emotion in his scenes. It really left me reeling.
Nicholl reveals the stalker early on in this one. I'm not typically a fan of this strategy but it works here. The main arc here is not about guessing who the stalker is. It's about the sickening cat and mouse game he plays with Mia. As outside observers we know exactly what is happening but it's a nail biting, tense ride. Instead of distracting from the thriller, it adds a heightened layer of trepidation. It was like watching a slasher movie where you find yourself yelling at the screen for characters not to go in a room or run the other way because you know what awaits them.
The plot escalated to an ending that I did NOT expect (maybe because I went into this one blind!). Nicholl knows how to create a spine tingling story. This one gripped me from beginning to end and left me feeling a bit heartbroken.
Thank you to John Nicholl, Bloodhound Books and Netgalley for an arc in exchange for my unbiased, honest opinion.
November 4, 2018
4.5*
One of my favorite detective series!
Mia just loves receiving fan mail. But the message from her number one fan was far from the kind she’s accustomed to. This guy is flat-out creepy...his messages becoming dark and ominous! The demands he begin making are outlandish! With threats of both she and her daughters’ life looming, she reaches out to an old family friend, Detective Inspector Gravel.
Still on leave from his department, Grav is dealing with problems in his own life. His humiliating departure from the force has left him broken and reeling.
Overweight, drinking everything in sight, his exercise routine consisting of stumbling from the couch to the fridge for another beer.
Can he pull himself together long enough to help save his dear friend Mia?
Though this is book 4 of the very popular series, it can stand squarely on its own. So you can jump in at this point and not feel like you’ve missed anything.
John Nicholl has created the most brash, unlikable character in DI Gravel. Yet you just can’t help but love this troubled good guy. I found myself rooting for him throughout, and would’ve actually enjoyed seeing more of him in this one.
The book continuously builds in intensity throughout and results in one fantastic shocker of an ending!
I would heartily recommend to anyone who enjoys a good dark and gritty thriller.
Thank you to John Nicholl for an ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
One of my favorite detective series!
Mia just loves receiving fan mail. But the message from her number one fan was far from the kind she’s accustomed to. This guy is flat-out creepy...his messages becoming dark and ominous! The demands he begin making are outlandish! With threats of both she and her daughters’ life looming, she reaches out to an old family friend, Detective Inspector Gravel.
Still on leave from his department, Grav is dealing with problems in his own life. His humiliating departure from the force has left him broken and reeling.
Overweight, drinking everything in sight, his exercise routine consisting of stumbling from the couch to the fridge for another beer.
Can he pull himself together long enough to help save his dear friend Mia?
Though this is book 4 of the very popular series, it can stand squarely on its own. So you can jump in at this point and not feel like you’ve missed anything.
John Nicholl has created the most brash, unlikable character in DI Gravel. Yet you just can’t help but love this troubled good guy. I found myself rooting for him throughout, and would’ve actually enjoyed seeing more of him in this one.
The book continuously builds in intensity throughout and results in one fantastic shocker of an ending!
I would heartily recommend to anyone who enjoys a good dark and gritty thriller.
Thank you to John Nicholl for an ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
November 10, 2018
5☆ A Chilling Thriller I Couldn't Put Down!
I am a huge fan of John Nicholls books, you can guarantee a chilling thriller that gets under your skin and gets your pulses racing. Anonymity is no exception it's simply a heart racing, compulsive page turner I devoured in one night!
This is the 4th book in the series, but it can be read as a standalone perfectly fine.
Anonymity was a little different to John's normal books in the sense the Stalker was revealed pretty early on... however the reasoning behind it unravelled the deeper into the story. It certainly made a change as I found myself shouting at my kindle...'NOOOO Don't do that' lol just like watching a suspenseful film.
Mia is a successful Author, she has a 4year old daughter called Isabella.
But recently Mia has been receiving creepy emails from a Stalker.... Her Number 1 Fan!
The emails are getting more and more chilling and personal, as he sends her photos of herself and Isabella.
He knows her!
He knows her every move!
He knows where she lives!
Where Isabella goes to school!
Who is he and what does he want?
Mia is so terrified He will hurt her daughter, she can't go to the police.
But when something happens to Mia's Cat she knows he has been in her house and it's all starting to get very sinister and twisted!So she goes to see her Father's friend Detective Grav, on the advice of her Sister Ella.
But is this the right move?
Will the Stalker find out?
I was quick to judge Mia's actions even thinking her foolish for giving the Stalker power, but I wouldn't have a clue what I would do in her circumstance.
Mia isn't the most stable of characters, she is pretty much addicted to opiods, due to a recent operation and very ill health, and not necessarily thinking straight.
But her mum prowess takes over as she fights to protect Isabella.
Once again Detective Grav was a larger than life character, he has his flaws, but he is loyal, protective and gets stuff done! But this time the Stalker isn't just out for Mia.... He is threatening his daughter.... Ellie!!
Grav isn't going to stop till he gets the evil, twisted, sick, perverted Stalker!
I just wish Grav played a bigger part as he is such a great character.
I devoured this dark, suspensful, twisting, tense, thriller.
John has this way of making his readers feel uncomfortable, but at the same time compelled to keep reading... his writing is raw, powerful and extremely talented!
As always John's characterisation is seamless and believable.
The plot was unsettling, taut, eerie, the suspense and tension ramps up page by page. As with all John's books they are deliciously dark in all the right places making for a gripping and compulsive read.
If you love Taut Thrillers, that are highly addictive, dark and twisty, then you will definitely want to pick up a copy of Anonymity!
Would I recommend reading Anonymity...... without a doubt.....100%...... YES!!!
Thank you to Emma at Bloodhound books for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2018/1...
I am a huge fan of John Nicholls books, you can guarantee a chilling thriller that gets under your skin and gets your pulses racing. Anonymity is no exception it's simply a heart racing, compulsive page turner I devoured in one night!
This is the 4th book in the series, but it can be read as a standalone perfectly fine.
Anonymity was a little different to John's normal books in the sense the Stalker was revealed pretty early on... however the reasoning behind it unravelled the deeper into the story. It certainly made a change as I found myself shouting at my kindle...'NOOOO Don't do that' lol just like watching a suspenseful film.
Mia is a successful Author, she has a 4year old daughter called Isabella.
But recently Mia has been receiving creepy emails from a Stalker.... Her Number 1 Fan!
The emails are getting more and more chilling and personal, as he sends her photos of herself and Isabella.
He knows her!
He knows her every move!
He knows where she lives!
Where Isabella goes to school!
Who is he and what does he want?
Mia is so terrified He will hurt her daughter, she can't go to the police.
But when something happens to Mia's Cat she knows he has been in her house and it's all starting to get very sinister and twisted!So she goes to see her Father's friend Detective Grav, on the advice of her Sister Ella.
But is this the right move?
Will the Stalker find out?
I was quick to judge Mia's actions even thinking her foolish for giving the Stalker power, but I wouldn't have a clue what I would do in her circumstance.
Mia isn't the most stable of characters, she is pretty much addicted to opiods, due to a recent operation and very ill health, and not necessarily thinking straight.
But her mum prowess takes over as she fights to protect Isabella.
Once again Detective Grav was a larger than life character, he has his flaws, but he is loyal, protective and gets stuff done! But this time the Stalker isn't just out for Mia.... He is threatening his daughter.... Ellie!!
Grav isn't going to stop till he gets the evil, twisted, sick, perverted Stalker!
I just wish Grav played a bigger part as he is such a great character.
I devoured this dark, suspensful, twisting, tense, thriller.
John has this way of making his readers feel uncomfortable, but at the same time compelled to keep reading... his writing is raw, powerful and extremely talented!
As always John's characterisation is seamless and believable.
The plot was unsettling, taut, eerie, the suspense and tension ramps up page by page. As with all John's books they are deliciously dark in all the right places making for a gripping and compulsive read.
If you love Taut Thrillers, that are highly addictive, dark and twisty, then you will definitely want to pick up a copy of Anonymity!
Would I recommend reading Anonymity...... without a doubt.....100%...... YES!!!
Thank you to Emma at Bloodhound books for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2018/1...
October 20, 2018
I sat and started this book one early evening with the full complete knowledge that I would enjoy my read. I wasn’t wrong. I stayed up until the early hours until my eyes were sore and tired. I then picked it up again with anticipation the following day as soon as I had free time to read further.
I went in blind with the subject matter of this read. I love this authors mind and what topic, plots and characters he comes up with next.
The one solid character is Grav. From the time I met him I thought him rough and uncouth, now I find him a delight. Poor Grav has had a hard time. He’s unwell, he’s unfit and terribly unhealthy. He also lost his beloved wife to cancer.
He thinks he may be able to return to work at some stage soon and eager to do so. There’s a lot at the Station that love Grav but some upper management that doesn’t. His old ways are not always acceptable.
In this book we meet Mia. Mia has a young daughter. Sometimes Mia struck me as a tad naive towards the end and too quick to trust others. Not very worldly wise.
She also is addicted to painkillers which were given her once to relieve pain, now they seem to be used by herself for an emotional crutch since receiving a very worrying and troubling email.
Threats, taunts, playing on her weaknesses and her daughter as a target she is worried what to do.
Ella is the closest to her. She confides in her.
Ella’s engaged to Adam.
The reader learns early on who the culprit is. There is indeed a reason for this and it didn’t mar the story.
Bits of gory bluntness in the pages but vital the reader fully understands the impact on Mia and what would your reaction be to certain things if it were you?
I felt really transported into this story.
There’s a sad bit in here. I felt it part of an era terminated.
Fabulous read for me.
I went in blind with the subject matter of this read. I love this authors mind and what topic, plots and characters he comes up with next.
The one solid character is Grav. From the time I met him I thought him rough and uncouth, now I find him a delight. Poor Grav has had a hard time. He’s unwell, he’s unfit and terribly unhealthy. He also lost his beloved wife to cancer.
He thinks he may be able to return to work at some stage soon and eager to do so. There’s a lot at the Station that love Grav but some upper management that doesn’t. His old ways are not always acceptable.
In this book we meet Mia. Mia has a young daughter. Sometimes Mia struck me as a tad naive towards the end and too quick to trust others. Not very worldly wise.
She also is addicted to painkillers which were given her once to relieve pain, now they seem to be used by herself for an emotional crutch since receiving a very worrying and troubling email.
Threats, taunts, playing on her weaknesses and her daughter as a target she is worried what to do.
Ella is the closest to her. She confides in her.
Ella’s engaged to Adam.
The reader learns early on who the culprit is. There is indeed a reason for this and it didn’t mar the story.
Bits of gory bluntness in the pages but vital the reader fully understands the impact on Mia and what would your reaction be to certain things if it were you?
I felt really transported into this story.
There’s a sad bit in here. I felt it part of an era terminated.
Fabulous read for me.
October 23, 2018
First and foremost, a large thank you to John Nicholl for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
Any reader looking for a well-crafted psychological thriller need look no further than John Nicholl, whose two series have always kept me fully engaged and wondering what awaits me at the flip of a page. This novel was no different, though it takes a slightly different approach. Mia Hamilton is a popular author whose book sales continue to climb. When she receives an email from someone calling themselves her ‘number one fan’ she is, for a time, appreciative, but that loses its lustre when the messages do not stop. Just as Mia is able to assertively place this fan in their place, she receives a strongly worded message with threats to herself and her young daughter. Mia cannot help but feel that these are not idle threats and complies, though cuts some corners with the help of her sister. Displeased, the fan makes stronger demands and puts the fear of God into Mia, leading her to turn to a longtime family friend, Detective Inspector Gareth ‘Grav’ Gravel. Grav has been on sick leave and is out of the daily grind, but his passion to uncover this criminal pushes him to his limits. Meanwhile, the fan/stalker is none other than Mia’s sister’s fiancé, who enjoys the torment he can instil on Mia. Adam meticulously plans to stalk her with cameras and mind games, while Mia unwillingly relies on him to help her keep the stalker away. With Grav trying his best to help, he must overcome his own demons and loss of his wife, which push him deeper into an abyss and leave his superiors from allowing him back onto the force. With Mia worried for her safety, she accedes to Adam’s request to accompany her out of Wales in hopes of allowing the authorities to catch the stalker. Little does Mia know, she’s following the breadcrumbs provided to send her into deeper and more sadistic forms of hellish misery. Will Grav be able to locate the killer in time, or will Mia be the latest in a string of stalked and missing Welsh women? In a high-impact novel that shakes the reader to the core, Nicholl proves that he is at the top of his game in his crowded genre. Highly recommended for those who enjoy Nicholl’s work and readers who find pleasure in psych thrillers that cannot be put down.
I have been a fan of John Nicholl since first I read his work, which has strong parallels to my work in Child Protection. Nicholl works to develop both a protagonist and antagonist, such that the reader sees both sides of the coin throughout, in hopes of forecasting the clash that will lead to an eventual solution to the crime. DI Gravel remains a wonderful copper, though his struggles have overtaken him. With his removal from the police, he does not have the same supports, though his team does liaise with him and fill in the gaps whenever possible. He works his way through this piece effectively, though is not as sharp as in past pieces, for obvious reasons. Mia proves to be somewhat of a vapid character, though perhaps Nicholl wanted her to be this vulnerable. She proves to be a stereotypical victim in that she is too scared to stand her ground and tosses herself at others to help. In this case, into the arms of the man who is causing her grief (something revealed early on and therefore I would not call it a spoiler). Adam’s role is interesting, as he plagues his sister-in-law-to-be, turning her life into a living hell. If I can be critical of Nicholl here, the character lays too many clues out intentionally to have him caught. Without spoiling the story, Adam turns his attention on others in too many blatant ways, forcing the reader to question why it took so long to finger him. Still, the thrill of the case takes the reader through many twists and kept me curious until the very end, where Nicholl has a treat for the dedicated reader. The strong story is not hampered by knowing who is the antagonist from the opening pages, as things turn into more of a psychological game of cat and mouse. Readers can appreciate the attention to detail that Nicholl has placed in his novel and series fans can see much progress throughout the four novels. One can only hope Nicholl continues writing at this level, as there is so much to appeal to readers of this genre.
Kudos, Mr. Nicholl, for such a great piece. I am so pleased to have been given an early copy, allowing me to share some of my insights.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
Any reader looking for a well-crafted psychological thriller need look no further than John Nicholl, whose two series have always kept me fully engaged and wondering what awaits me at the flip of a page. This novel was no different, though it takes a slightly different approach. Mia Hamilton is a popular author whose book sales continue to climb. When she receives an email from someone calling themselves her ‘number one fan’ she is, for a time, appreciative, but that loses its lustre when the messages do not stop. Just as Mia is able to assertively place this fan in their place, she receives a strongly worded message with threats to herself and her young daughter. Mia cannot help but feel that these are not idle threats and complies, though cuts some corners with the help of her sister. Displeased, the fan makes stronger demands and puts the fear of God into Mia, leading her to turn to a longtime family friend, Detective Inspector Gareth ‘Grav’ Gravel. Grav has been on sick leave and is out of the daily grind, but his passion to uncover this criminal pushes him to his limits. Meanwhile, the fan/stalker is none other than Mia’s sister’s fiancé, who enjoys the torment he can instil on Mia. Adam meticulously plans to stalk her with cameras and mind games, while Mia unwillingly relies on him to help her keep the stalker away. With Grav trying his best to help, he must overcome his own demons and loss of his wife, which push him deeper into an abyss and leave his superiors from allowing him back onto the force. With Mia worried for her safety, she accedes to Adam’s request to accompany her out of Wales in hopes of allowing the authorities to catch the stalker. Little does Mia know, she’s following the breadcrumbs provided to send her into deeper and more sadistic forms of hellish misery. Will Grav be able to locate the killer in time, or will Mia be the latest in a string of stalked and missing Welsh women? In a high-impact novel that shakes the reader to the core, Nicholl proves that he is at the top of his game in his crowded genre. Highly recommended for those who enjoy Nicholl’s work and readers who find pleasure in psych thrillers that cannot be put down.
I have been a fan of John Nicholl since first I read his work, which has strong parallels to my work in Child Protection. Nicholl works to develop both a protagonist and antagonist, such that the reader sees both sides of the coin throughout, in hopes of forecasting the clash that will lead to an eventual solution to the crime. DI Gravel remains a wonderful copper, though his struggles have overtaken him. With his removal from the police, he does not have the same supports, though his team does liaise with him and fill in the gaps whenever possible. He works his way through this piece effectively, though is not as sharp as in past pieces, for obvious reasons. Mia proves to be somewhat of a vapid character, though perhaps Nicholl wanted her to be this vulnerable. She proves to be a stereotypical victim in that she is too scared to stand her ground and tosses herself at others to help. In this case, into the arms of the man who is causing her grief (something revealed early on and therefore I would not call it a spoiler). Adam’s role is interesting, as he plagues his sister-in-law-to-be, turning her life into a living hell. If I can be critical of Nicholl here, the character lays too many clues out intentionally to have him caught. Without spoiling the story, Adam turns his attention on others in too many blatant ways, forcing the reader to question why it took so long to finger him. Still, the thrill of the case takes the reader through many twists and kept me curious until the very end, where Nicholl has a treat for the dedicated reader. The strong story is not hampered by knowing who is the antagonist from the opening pages, as things turn into more of a psychological game of cat and mouse. Readers can appreciate the attention to detail that Nicholl has placed in his novel and series fans can see much progress throughout the four novels. One can only hope Nicholl continues writing at this level, as there is so much to appeal to readers of this genre.
Kudos, Mr. Nicholl, for such a great piece. I am so pleased to have been given an early copy, allowing me to share some of my insights.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
November 2, 2018
Mia is an author who works from home, the mom of a 4-year-old girl. For some reason, someone has targeted her by email and her life, as she knows it, starts to end.
First come the emails that threaten her, her daughter, her family if she brings in the police. He taunts her by knowing things he shouldn't possibly know ... and she's terrified. His emails demands get more bizarre by the day and the threat of death to her and her daughter intensify.
She eventually turns to DI Gavel, a family friend on medical leave, for help. Gavel receives an email threatening his grown daughter if he helps Mia. How did he know who she was seeing Gavel?
The reader learns early on who the stalker is. Instead of lessening the suspense, it only builds higher, leading to a satisfactory, yet surprising, ending. The characters are finely drawn and the angst is palpable as the stalker turns Mia into a bundle of raw nerves.
This is not my first book by this author, nor will it be the last. I have come to know that whatever he puts on paper turns into a thrilled, gripping psychological thriller that will keep me reading into the early AM hours ... almost afraid to turn off my lights.
Many thanks to the author/ Bloodhound Books / Netgalley for the advanced digital copy of this well written psychological thriller. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
First come the emails that threaten her, her daughter, her family if she brings in the police. He taunts her by knowing things he shouldn't possibly know ... and she's terrified. His emails demands get more bizarre by the day and the threat of death to her and her daughter intensify.
She eventually turns to DI Gavel, a family friend on medical leave, for help. Gavel receives an email threatening his grown daughter if he helps Mia. How did he know who she was seeing Gavel?
The reader learns early on who the stalker is. Instead of lessening the suspense, it only builds higher, leading to a satisfactory, yet surprising, ending. The characters are finely drawn and the angst is palpable as the stalker turns Mia into a bundle of raw nerves.
This is not my first book by this author, nor will it be the last. I have come to know that whatever he puts on paper turns into a thrilled, gripping psychological thriller that will keep me reading into the early AM hours ... almost afraid to turn off my lights.
Many thanks to the author/ Bloodhound Books / Netgalley for the advanced digital copy of this well written psychological thriller. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
December 20, 2018
“Do or die, life or the grave.”
What would you do if you begin receiving anonymous emails and texts threatening you and bullying you to do as they say, or else? Go to the police, ask for help, ignore him and you and your daughter would die a horrendous death, just like your cat did!
Mia is a successful author and mother of a 4 year old daughter. Mia’s life changes for the worse when she starts getting emails from her “number one fan”; a creepy stalker who likes to play cat and mouse, who likes his victims in pain and scared and who would do anything to ruin Mia’s life as he did to his other victims.
What Mia cannot imagine is that this psychopath is someone she knows.
Anonymity is an intense and terrifying psychological thriller you would want to read without a break.
What would you do if you begin receiving anonymous emails and texts threatening you and bullying you to do as they say, or else? Go to the police, ask for help, ignore him and you and your daughter would die a horrendous death, just like your cat did!
Mia is a successful author and mother of a 4 year old daughter. Mia’s life changes for the worse when she starts getting emails from her “number one fan”; a creepy stalker who likes to play cat and mouse, who likes his victims in pain and scared and who would do anything to ruin Mia’s life as he did to his other victims.
What Mia cannot imagine is that this psychopath is someone she knows.
Anonymity is an intense and terrifying psychological thriller you would want to read without a break.
April 9, 2022
I would like to rate this book 3.5 star rating,wasnt as strong as the other books in this series.And disappointed not to read more of DI Gravel in this book.This book starts with Mia who has a young daughter are in danger from a starker on the internet he demands her to follow his instructions or she and her daughter would die,she gets help from a family friend DI Gravel what can he do as hes not in good shape and getting older drinking alot can he help her..would of been fantastic as had a great ending but missing elements of the main character..do enjoy this authors books.
November 3, 2018
ANONYMITY is the 4th book in the DI Gravel Series, a fast paced psychological/crime thriller
by John Nicholl. Having read all of John Nicholl’s novels, I can honestly say he has done it again…another powerful psychological thriller! His novels never disappoint, and keep getting better.
The novels in the DI Gravel Series include:
Portraits of the Dead (DI Gravel, #1)
Before I Met Him (DI Gravel, #2)
A Cold Cold Heart (DI Gravel, #3)
Anonymity (DI Gravel, #4)
In Anonymity, Mia Hamilton, a successful novelist and a cancer survivor, is targeted by an internet stalker, and her life with her four-year-old daughter, Isabella becomes a nightmare.
Early on, the reader is aware who the stalker is…but it does not take away from the plot, but instead heightens the suspense levels.
Unaware that the predatory psychopath has placed cameras in her home, the stalker sends untraceable emails, including photos of her and her four-year-old daughter, demanding Mia performs outlandish tasks, threatening dire consequences if she refuses or approaches the police.
The last email received her attention:
“I know where you live. Tell me you love me, Mia. I’m your number one fan.”
Mia tried to turn her attention to focus on her next novel, but the effort was futile. She just wanted to be left alone. He was getting to her, and she started to resort to alcohol and pills for comfort, to erase his existence.
This stalker was watching her, and threatened her if she went to the police. He was a lunatic!
“Stalking is a crime of control.”
Mia then turns to a family friend, DI Gareth Gravel, (Grav) currently on medical leave for help. Gravel, overweight and hooked on booze and cigars, whose life is empty after the loss of his wife to cancer, needs to return to work to survive. When his own daughter is threatened, it makes his decision very clear. He must catch this monster!
A game of cat and mouse where one wrong move can have dire consequences. This is one novel that you will not forget too readily, a gripping plot and well-written characters…and one that I highly recommend!
Many thanks to the author, Bloodhound Books via Netgalley for my digital copy.
by John Nicholl. Having read all of John Nicholl’s novels, I can honestly say he has done it again…another powerful psychological thriller! His novels never disappoint, and keep getting better.
The novels in the DI Gravel Series include:
Portraits of the Dead (DI Gravel, #1)
Before I Met Him (DI Gravel, #2)
A Cold Cold Heart (DI Gravel, #3)
Anonymity (DI Gravel, #4)
In Anonymity, Mia Hamilton, a successful novelist and a cancer survivor, is targeted by an internet stalker, and her life with her four-year-old daughter, Isabella becomes a nightmare.
Early on, the reader is aware who the stalker is…but it does not take away from the plot, but instead heightens the suspense levels.
Unaware that the predatory psychopath has placed cameras in her home, the stalker sends untraceable emails, including photos of her and her four-year-old daughter, demanding Mia performs outlandish tasks, threatening dire consequences if she refuses or approaches the police.
The last email received her attention:
“I know where you live. Tell me you love me, Mia. I’m your number one fan.”
Mia tried to turn her attention to focus on her next novel, but the effort was futile. She just wanted to be left alone. He was getting to her, and she started to resort to alcohol and pills for comfort, to erase his existence.
This stalker was watching her, and threatened her if she went to the police. He was a lunatic!
“Stalking is a crime of control.”
Mia then turns to a family friend, DI Gareth Gravel, (Grav) currently on medical leave for help. Gravel, overweight and hooked on booze and cigars, whose life is empty after the loss of his wife to cancer, needs to return to work to survive. When his own daughter is threatened, it makes his decision very clear. He must catch this monster!
A game of cat and mouse where one wrong move can have dire consequences. This is one novel that you will not forget too readily, a gripping plot and well-written characters…and one that I highly recommend!
Many thanks to the author, Bloodhound Books via Netgalley for my digital copy.
May 5, 2020
"They were only words. Just words. That’s what she told herself. But words could frighten. Words could hurt."
Anonymity (DI Gravel #4)
by John Nicholl
I guess I am the one person going against the tide on this one.
This is a stalker/thriller that starts with a lady named Mia receiving an e mail from..of coarse..an anonymous person. This person asks Mia to tell him she loves him and from there the terror escalates.
I did like the beginning. It was creepy and I wanted to see what happened with the story.
But:
I took off one star for animal cruelty. I do not like animals being murdered in my books.
SPOILER:
We are told early on in the book, the identity of said stalker and that sort of ruined it for me. From there, there is alot of death and torture and the killer grows more obsessed with hurting..well..everyone. This wasn't a bad book or anything and the writing was intense as anything but the story just lost steam for me and went in a direction that I didn't really care for.
To many bodies piling up and with the identity of the killer known to the reader early on, there was not alot to guess at. Also, the villain being able to fool Mia into being the only one she could trust struck me as a bit far out there.
Still, it had a terrific pace and was a quick read. I can see how many would enjoy this and wish I had.
Anonymity (DI Gravel #4)
by John Nicholl
I guess I am the one person going against the tide on this one.
This is a stalker/thriller that starts with a lady named Mia receiving an e mail from..of coarse..an anonymous person. This person asks Mia to tell him she loves him and from there the terror escalates.
I did like the beginning. It was creepy and I wanted to see what happened with the story.
But:
I took off one star for animal cruelty. I do not like animals being murdered in my books.
SPOILER:
We are told early on in the book, the identity of said stalker and that sort of ruined it for me. From there, there is alot of death and torture and the killer grows more obsessed with hurting..well..everyone. This wasn't a bad book or anything and the writing was intense as anything but the story just lost steam for me and went in a direction that I didn't really care for.
To many bodies piling up and with the identity of the killer known to the reader early on, there was not alot to guess at. Also, the villain being able to fool Mia into being the only one she could trust struck me as a bit far out there.
Still, it had a terrific pace and was a quick read. I can see how many would enjoy this and wish I had.
Read
October 28, 2018OK. I can breathe again. What a tense and thrilling serial killer chiller!
Mia, a single mom with a 4-year-old daughter, is at home as usual and working on her next book when she receives the first message. The email indicates that the sender knows where she lives and asks her to declare her love for her "number one fan." Mia, a bit shaken, ignores it but that doesn't deter the sender from escalating with additional messages that threaten her and her daughter. She's constrained from contacting the police but she seeks help from her older sister, Ella. The two of them decide to enlist the help of an old family friend, DI Gareth Gravel, who's home on sick leave after his most recent heart attack. It becomes very clear that the person stalking Mia knows everything about her activities and has the photos to prove it. Things are about to get harrowing especially since Mia has no idea who she can trust. NO SPOILERS
What a suspenseful read that made me tense and kept me glued to the pages as I couldn't get to the end fast enough. Even though the reader knows who the stalker is and wants to shout out at Mia to stop being so stupid, and even though you're screaming at her NO NO NO, you have to wait to see if anyone will figure it out before it's too late. Definitely had my heart racing.
I've read all 3 of the previous books in this series and would urge you to begin at the start for maximum enjoyment. DI Gravel is one of the last of the old school, good old time detectives and knows that this is probably his last case as the boss wants him retired. He wants his old job back.
Thank you to the author for an e-book ARC of his novel for me to read and review. I look forward to John Nicholl's next book!
Mia, a single mom with a 4-year-old daughter, is at home as usual and working on her next book when she receives the first message. The email indicates that the sender knows where she lives and asks her to declare her love for her "number one fan." Mia, a bit shaken, ignores it but that doesn't deter the sender from escalating with additional messages that threaten her and her daughter. She's constrained from contacting the police but she seeks help from her older sister, Ella. The two of them decide to enlist the help of an old family friend, DI Gareth Gravel, who's home on sick leave after his most recent heart attack. It becomes very clear that the person stalking Mia knows everything about her activities and has the photos to prove it. Things are about to get harrowing especially since Mia has no idea who she can trust. NO SPOILERS
What a suspenseful read that made me tense and kept me glued to the pages as I couldn't get to the end fast enough. Even though the reader knows who the stalker is and wants to shout out at Mia to stop being so stupid, and even though you're screaming at her NO NO NO, you have to wait to see if anyone will figure it out before it's too late. Definitely had my heart racing.
I've read all 3 of the previous books in this series and would urge you to begin at the start for maximum enjoyment. DI Gravel is one of the last of the old school, good old time detectives and knows that this is probably his last case as the boss wants him retired. He wants his old job back.
Thank you to the author for an e-book ARC of his novel for me to read and review. I look forward to John Nicholl's next book!
November 7, 2018
DI Gravel features in quite a few of the authors books but they are all written as stand alone's so you don't have to have read his previous novels. It is nice though to see a familiar character for people who have read the authors other books.
We get to find out quite early on who the killer is which is something I always enjoy. It does lead to some frustration though as you shout and scream at the other characters trying to warn them. I have to admit it did still shock me when we realise who the killer is, as would never have guessed before we get told.
The tension builds up throughout as we wait for the police to work out who the killer is. Poor Gravel isn't in the best of health and even mentally, comes across as being a little unstable. His work is all he lives for and you really feel for him when there seems to be so many obstacles in the way in him being able to return to work. Due to his ill health, it does introduce us to a new character within the police. I really liked Kesey, who is a female detective, she oversees the case to do with Mia and I liked seeing a female playing a stronger role.
Anonymity is another great read by the author. You can always guarantee when you pick one of his books up that he will have you hooked within no time. They are always engrossing as well as a guaranteed page turner. I hope we get to see more of Kesey as I think there is so much potential when it comes to her character.
We get to find out quite early on who the killer is which is something I always enjoy. It does lead to some frustration though as you shout and scream at the other characters trying to warn them. I have to admit it did still shock me when we realise who the killer is, as would never have guessed before we get told.
The tension builds up throughout as we wait for the police to work out who the killer is. Poor Gravel isn't in the best of health and even mentally, comes across as being a little unstable. His work is all he lives for and you really feel for him when there seems to be so many obstacles in the way in him being able to return to work. Due to his ill health, it does introduce us to a new character within the police. I really liked Kesey, who is a female detective, she oversees the case to do with Mia and I liked seeing a female playing a stronger role.
Anonymity is another great read by the author. You can always guarantee when you pick one of his books up that he will have you hooked within no time. They are always engrossing as well as a guaranteed page turner. I hope we get to see more of Kesey as I think there is so much potential when it comes to her character.
December 11, 2018
This is the 4th book in the DI Gravel series by author John Nicholl but can be read as a stand alone. That said I would make an effort to read the series in order for full enjoyment.
I only discovered the books of John Nicholl this year but I have found them to be of a consistently high standard. This one is also a very good psychological thriller with great characters and a decent plot.
This novel focus's on a successful novelist Mia Hamilton who is targeted by an internet stalker. The stalker has planted cameras in her home and watches her every move. The identity of the stalker is made known early in the novel but this does not deter from either the suspense or the story. Mia is bombarded with emails from the stalker, emails that contain private photo's of her and Isabella Mia's 4 year old child. The emails are threatening and are full of orders for her to carry out demands to prove her love. Unable to turn to the police for help, Mia approaches DI Gravel who is a family friend and on sick leave due to his over the top lifestyle. 'Grav' lives for his work and is keen to help a friend.
Excellent read by an author who is well worth looking out for.
I only discovered the books of John Nicholl this year but I have found them to be of a consistently high standard. This one is also a very good psychological thriller with great characters and a decent plot.
This novel focus's on a successful novelist Mia Hamilton who is targeted by an internet stalker. The stalker has planted cameras in her home and watches her every move. The identity of the stalker is made known early in the novel but this does not deter from either the suspense or the story. Mia is bombarded with emails from the stalker, emails that contain private photo's of her and Isabella Mia's 4 year old child. The emails are threatening and are full of orders for her to carry out demands to prove her love. Unable to turn to the police for help, Mia approaches DI Gravel who is a family friend and on sick leave due to his over the top lifestyle. 'Grav' lives for his work and is keen to help a friend.
Excellent read by an author who is well worth looking out for.
November 14, 2018
I read and reviewed John’s first two books ‘White Is The Coldest Colour’ & ‘When Evil Calls Your Name’. Both were excellent and had more than a ring of authenticity, which isn’t surprising when you consider that the author is a former police officer and a former child protection social worker. Admittedly I haven’t read anything written by him since, so it was with some excitement that I picked up ‘Anonymity’ and began to read. Blimey oh riley am I glad that I did read it? It too was an absolutely fantastic read but more about that in a bit.
I did really feel for the character of Mia. She is a young mother who is being subjected to a sustained campaign of harassment by an unknown person. She gets some cranky e-mails from him and she is horrified when she realises that he knows everything about her and has photos to prove it. He wants her to send some naked pictures of herself or he will hurt her daughter. Now I can understand her desire to protect her child but at the same time I wanted to shake her by the shoulders because she seriously considers sending the pictures. Although the stalker warns her not to go to the police and reminds her of the dire consequences should she do so, I would definitely advise that she goes to the police. That said I could understand how stressed she was getting herself and how her worry was eating her up.
Oh my word this was one hell of a read, even if certain details are a bit graphic. It’s just as well that I have a strong stomach because I had my Kindle in one hand reading about DIY (no not the building or creating or mending hobby, I mean the other kind of DIY) jobs and about bodies in various stages of decomposition and I was holding my sandwich in the other hand. I put the strong stomach down to the fact that both Mr & Mrs Ginger Book Geek were nurses and so conversations around the dinner table could be quite gruesome and graphic in nature if you get my drift.
I picked ‘Anonymity’ up and from the moment I started to read, I just knew that this was one book that I was going to become addicted to and so it proved. The more I read, the more I wanted to read and the quicker the pages were turning. I must be sadistic because I just had to know just how far Mia’s stalker was going to go and whether or not he could be stopped. I would pick the book up fully intending to just read a couple of chapters but that intention was soon thrown out of the window because I was still reading a couple of hours later and I had read far more than two or three chapters. The author’s writing style is such that you can’t fail to be drawn in from the first word and much like a fisherman reeling in a catch, the author reels you in and doesn’t let you go.
Reading ‘Anonymity’ was much like being on a very scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with twists and turns around every corner. There were also moments where I almost had to read through my fingers because I feared what was going to happen next. ‘Anonymity’ is one of those books guaranteed to get your heartbeat racing, your breathing will rapidly increase and it will send your adrenaline levels soaring. ‘Anonymity’ kept me on the edge of my seat and it kept me guessing all the way through.
‘Anonymity’ is part of a series but it works equally well as a standalone. As I am a bit OCD though, I fully intend to read the series in numerical order.
In short, I absolutely loved reading ‘Anonymity’ even if it occasionally gave me the heebie jeebies. I would definitely recommend this author and his books to other readers. I can’t wait to read what he comes up with next. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board just has to be 5* out of 5*.
I did really feel for the character of Mia. She is a young mother who is being subjected to a sustained campaign of harassment by an unknown person. She gets some cranky e-mails from him and she is horrified when she realises that he knows everything about her and has photos to prove it. He wants her to send some naked pictures of herself or he will hurt her daughter. Now I can understand her desire to protect her child but at the same time I wanted to shake her by the shoulders because she seriously considers sending the pictures. Although the stalker warns her not to go to the police and reminds her of the dire consequences should she do so, I would definitely advise that she goes to the police. That said I could understand how stressed she was getting herself and how her worry was eating her up.
Oh my word this was one hell of a read, even if certain details are a bit graphic. It’s just as well that I have a strong stomach because I had my Kindle in one hand reading about DIY (no not the building or creating or mending hobby, I mean the other kind of DIY) jobs and about bodies in various stages of decomposition and I was holding my sandwich in the other hand. I put the strong stomach down to the fact that both Mr & Mrs Ginger Book Geek were nurses and so conversations around the dinner table could be quite gruesome and graphic in nature if you get my drift.
I picked ‘Anonymity’ up and from the moment I started to read, I just knew that this was one book that I was going to become addicted to and so it proved. The more I read, the more I wanted to read and the quicker the pages were turning. I must be sadistic because I just had to know just how far Mia’s stalker was going to go and whether or not he could be stopped. I would pick the book up fully intending to just read a couple of chapters but that intention was soon thrown out of the window because I was still reading a couple of hours later and I had read far more than two or three chapters. The author’s writing style is such that you can’t fail to be drawn in from the first word and much like a fisherman reeling in a catch, the author reels you in and doesn’t let you go.
Reading ‘Anonymity’ was much like being on a very scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with twists and turns around every corner. There were also moments where I almost had to read through my fingers because I feared what was going to happen next. ‘Anonymity’ is one of those books guaranteed to get your heartbeat racing, your breathing will rapidly increase and it will send your adrenaline levels soaring. ‘Anonymity’ kept me on the edge of my seat and it kept me guessing all the way through.
‘Anonymity’ is part of a series but it works equally well as a standalone. As I am a bit OCD though, I fully intend to read the series in numerical order.
In short, I absolutely loved reading ‘Anonymity’ even if it occasionally gave me the heebie jeebies. I would definitely recommend this author and his books to other readers. I can’t wait to read what he comes up with next. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board just has to be 5* out of 5*.
October 29, 2018
He was a sadistic killer, a master manipulator and he had his sights on Mia, a successful novelist and single parent. When his threats and intimidation tactics force Mia to seek help from a family friend, DI Gravel, the monster may have met his match.
Still on leave from his heart attack, Grav is eager to help, but when his own daughter is threatened if he does, he is hellbent to bring this monster down at any cost. John Nicholl has put true grit and spine tingling suspense into his latest DI Gravel thriller, ANONYMITY.
As voyeurs into this dark tale, we may know who the monster is, but witnessing this tale unfold is a pure heart-pounding, nail-biting ride throughout. As Mia attempts to keep her daughter safe, she risks the lives of others she loves in her futile attempt to be free of the twisted stalker who haunts her every breath. How does he know where she lives? Who she talks to? What she has done? Even when Mia escapes to Italy, he seems to know her every move and the nightmare continues.
Will DI Gravel be able to break this case and keep those he cares about safe?
John Nicholl had me doing a balancing act on the edge of my seat once again as one of my favorite crusty detectives takes on a case for love and honor and because this is what he is, what he does. Simply fabulous reading from start to a finish that had my heart in my throat!
Brilliant writing, once again from John Nicholl.
I received a complimentary ARC edition from John Nicholl!
Series: DI Gravel - Book 4
Expected publication: November 6th 2018 by Bloodhound Books
Genre: Suspense | Thriller
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
I received a complimentary ARC edition from John Nicholl!
Series: DI Gravel - Book 4
Still on leave from his heart attack, Grav is eager to help, but when his own daughter is threatened if he does, he is hellbent to bring this monster down at any cost. John Nicholl has put true grit and spine tingling suspense into his latest DI Gravel thriller, ANONYMITY.
As voyeurs into this dark tale, we may know who the monster is, but witnessing this tale unfold is a pure heart-pounding, nail-biting ride throughout. As Mia attempts to keep her daughter safe, she risks the lives of others she loves in her futile attempt to be free of the twisted stalker who haunts her every breath. How does he know where she lives? Who she talks to? What she has done? Even when Mia escapes to Italy, he seems to know her every move and the nightmare continues.
Will DI Gravel be able to break this case and keep those he cares about safe?
John Nicholl had me doing a balancing act on the edge of my seat once again as one of my favorite crusty detectives takes on a case for love and honor and because this is what he is, what he does. Simply fabulous reading from start to a finish that had my heart in my throat!
Brilliant writing, once again from John Nicholl.
I received a complimentary ARC edition from John Nicholl!
Series: DI Gravel - Book 4
Expected publication: November 6th 2018 by Bloodhound Books
Genre: Suspense | Thriller
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
I received a complimentary ARC edition from John Nicholl!
Series: DI Gravel - Book 4
November 7, 2018
Mia ignored his first two messages,since becoming a best selling author she has become accustomed to receiving messages from fans. Some were genuinely pleased for her and sent really nice messages but some people who were obviously jealous of her success could be really nasty. But this latest message from the person who calls himself her number one fan saying that he knows where she lives causes her blood to run cold. Then a horrific incident occurs in her home. Terrified for her life and the life of her four year old daughter,Mia turns to her father's old friend Detective Inspector Grav Gravel for help. When Mia's stalker somehow finds out that Mia has disobeyed his instructions that she must not go to the police or she will suffer the consequences,he threatens Gravel's daughter Emily causing Gravel to take matters into his own hands.
With his health failing and his career coming to an end,just how far will Gravel go to protect his daughter and catch a vicious killer?
This is a gripping,chilling cat and mouse chase that hits the ground running from the very first page. We follow Mia's desperate attempts to outsmart her sinister stalker. Mia is a cancer survivalist and has a serious addiction to opioids which causes her to doubt her judgement and makes her vulnerable and easily manipulated. You would have thought with her being a supposedly intelligent women and considering the fact that she knew how twisted and evil her tormentor was,she would have been a bit more careful about who she trusted. Mia can't understand how her stalker knows that she is planning to ask Inspector Gravel for help. And how the hell does he manage to find her after she leaves the country and flees to her parents house in Italy. Mia's stalker was a very cunning,cruel manipulative character who gave me the chills everytime I came to his parts of the story but I also found his superiority complex and over inflated ego irritating at times.He was most definitely a classic example of someone who had a very bad case of narcissistic personality disorder.Unfortunately her stalker's identity is revealed quite early in the story,something that I am not normally a fan of when I am reading thrillers. I personally prefer the identity of the antagonist to be revealed toward the end of the book so I am given the opportunity to figure out who it is for myself. Inspector Grav Gravel is on sick leave after suffering three heart attacks. He desperately wants to return back to work,it's all that he has and his colleagues can't wait for him to return but unfortunately the top brass think that his investigation methods are outdated just like him and want him to retire.Grav was a brash character who didn't hold back when he had a opinion about something but he also had a caring side especially when it came to his daughter. I really like Grav but unfortunately he scarcely appeared in the story.
Anonymity is a chilling,intense thriller that hooks the reader in from the first page,holding your attention right through to the very sad,heart breaking conclusion. Despite knowing who was tormenting Mia quite early in the story,I really enjoyed this gripping thriller.Although this is the forth and unfortunately final book in the series,it can be read and enjoyed as a stand alone. I haven't read any of the previous titles in this series but I plan to rectify this in the (hopefully) not too distant future.
Many thanks to Emma Welton and BloodHound books for the opportunity to read and review this gripping thriller and take part in the Blog blitz
With his health failing and his career coming to an end,just how far will Gravel go to protect his daughter and catch a vicious killer?
This is a gripping,chilling cat and mouse chase that hits the ground running from the very first page. We follow Mia's desperate attempts to outsmart her sinister stalker. Mia is a cancer survivalist and has a serious addiction to opioids which causes her to doubt her judgement and makes her vulnerable and easily manipulated. You would have thought with her being a supposedly intelligent women and considering the fact that she knew how twisted and evil her tormentor was,she would have been a bit more careful about who she trusted. Mia can't understand how her stalker knows that she is planning to ask Inspector Gravel for help. And how the hell does he manage to find her after she leaves the country and flees to her parents house in Italy. Mia's stalker was a very cunning,cruel manipulative character who gave me the chills everytime I came to his parts of the story but I also found his superiority complex and over inflated ego irritating at times.He was most definitely a classic example of someone who had a very bad case of narcissistic personality disorder.Unfortunately her stalker's identity is revealed quite early in the story,something that I am not normally a fan of when I am reading thrillers. I personally prefer the identity of the antagonist to be revealed toward the end of the book so I am given the opportunity to figure out who it is for myself. Inspector Grav Gravel is on sick leave after suffering three heart attacks. He desperately wants to return back to work,it's all that he has and his colleagues can't wait for him to return but unfortunately the top brass think that his investigation methods are outdated just like him and want him to retire.Grav was a brash character who didn't hold back when he had a opinion about something but he also had a caring side especially when it came to his daughter. I really like Grav but unfortunately he scarcely appeared in the story.
Anonymity is a chilling,intense thriller that hooks the reader in from the first page,holding your attention right through to the very sad,heart breaking conclusion. Despite knowing who was tormenting Mia quite early in the story,I really enjoyed this gripping thriller.Although this is the forth and unfortunately final book in the series,it can be read and enjoyed as a stand alone. I haven't read any of the previous titles in this series but I plan to rectify this in the (hopefully) not too distant future.
Many thanks to Emma Welton and BloodHound books for the opportunity to read and review this gripping thriller and take part in the Blog blitz
November 6, 2018
There is only one thing more scary than having too much knowledge and that is having too little. Mia Hamilton is a successful novelist that is being targeted by an internet stalker. A man who has only one outcome for her and that is to kill her. The killer, he has killed before, doesn’t know how yet or when, it all depends on how much pleasure he can get out of tormenting her before he gets bored.
John Nicholl creates some of the most hair-raising bad guys going. Yes they are totally vicious but more than that it is the cat and mouse games that they play that make me edgy. They don’t make me jump because I am with them all the way, it is the sheer fear of all the possibilities that gets me. This guy is a professional that seems to cover every base, including her home. I am reading saying ‘don’t answer the door, don’t answer the door,’ to ‘don’t let him in.’ I am like a ghost she simply can’t hear. You know who the killer is quite early in the book, which heightens the horror even more. Mia is a lovely lady but oh so gullible, hind sight is a wonderful thing.
I was made up when DI Gravel made his fourth appearance in this series but boy is he battered with life. Now a widower with failing health, a constant bad diet and drinking habit, the only thing keeping him going is the thought of returning to work, after yet another heart attack. His visit to the doctor’s is pretty funny. He gets his incentive to pull himself together when the killer makes it personal.
The last third of the book is like a bucket list of this killers ultimate aims cause he really goes to work to get all his wishes in there. Oh my does this guy know how to play people. What an ending. Just speechless!
I wish to thank Bloodhound Books for an e-copy of this book which I have reviewed honestly.
John Nicholl creates some of the most hair-raising bad guys going. Yes they are totally vicious but more than that it is the cat and mouse games that they play that make me edgy. They don’t make me jump because I am with them all the way, it is the sheer fear of all the possibilities that gets me. This guy is a professional that seems to cover every base, including her home. I am reading saying ‘don’t answer the door, don’t answer the door,’ to ‘don’t let him in.’ I am like a ghost she simply can’t hear. You know who the killer is quite early in the book, which heightens the horror even more. Mia is a lovely lady but oh so gullible, hind sight is a wonderful thing.
I was made up when DI Gravel made his fourth appearance in this series but boy is he battered with life. Now a widower with failing health, a constant bad diet and drinking habit, the only thing keeping him going is the thought of returning to work, after yet another heart attack. His visit to the doctor’s is pretty funny. He gets his incentive to pull himself together when the killer makes it personal.
The last third of the book is like a bucket list of this killers ultimate aims cause he really goes to work to get all his wishes in there. Oh my does this guy know how to play people. What an ending. Just speechless!
I wish to thank Bloodhound Books for an e-copy of this book which I have reviewed honestly.
November 13, 2018
Another good read by John Nicoll.
Anonymity is not as gruesome as the rest of Nicoll's books which left me a little disappointed.
Anonymity is not as gruesome as the rest of Nicoll's books which left me a little disappointed.
November 6, 2018
Insidious, disturbing and so well written.
Insidious and very creepy - disturbing and so well-written.
From the offset I liked the way the author gave us the perspective of both the victim and the stalker and in the case of the latter, I realised straight away that I was going to live inside the head of a vile man for the duration of the book. Being a victim of stalking I know some of what goes on in the mind of the tormented and then made to live in fear - the author portrayed this aspect brilliantly. In fact on one or two occasions my skin crawled as I read and a prickle of fear returned, that’s how well it was written. Then, to be party to the stalkers thoughts and plans gave a very chilling edge to the story, compelling me on even though I knew it wouldn’t end well. Avoiding spoilers, the bittersweet conclusion made me sad but with just a touch of shall we say, belief, I felt somewhat content with the finale which the author tied it all up succinctly, no loose ends.
Thanks for yet another riveting read. Well done Mr Nicholl.
Insidious and very creepy - disturbing and so well-written.
From the offset I liked the way the author gave us the perspective of both the victim and the stalker and in the case of the latter, I realised straight away that I was going to live inside the head of a vile man for the duration of the book. Being a victim of stalking I know some of what goes on in the mind of the tormented and then made to live in fear - the author portrayed this aspect brilliantly. In fact on one or two occasions my skin crawled as I read and a prickle of fear returned, that’s how well it was written. Then, to be party to the stalkers thoughts and plans gave a very chilling edge to the story, compelling me on even though I knew it wouldn’t end well. Avoiding spoilers, the bittersweet conclusion made me sad but with just a touch of shall we say, belief, I felt somewhat content with the finale which the author tied it all up succinctly, no loose ends.
Thanks for yet another riveting read. Well done Mr Nicholl.
November 5, 2018
This is book four in DI Gravel series. Although they can be read as a standalone Don’t do it. Read the series in order. I absolutely love Grav and the journey we went through with him in this series.
Mia is a successful author. Her life changes when a stalker starts emailing her. The stalker scares her when he sends photos of Mia and her young daughter. Mia reaches out to DI Gravel for help.
Even though we knew who the stalker was early on I didn’t think it took away from the story. In fact in this book it added so much. It kinda made me hold my breaths in parts.
Although Grav wasn’t a main character in this story I really enjoyed it. I found it was a fast paced and gripping read.
Ive read each of this authors books and I’ve got to say his writing is outstanding. He certainly knows how to captivate his readers. I read this in one sitting. I couldn’t put it down. I’m just gonna change the ending in my head lol
I highly recommend this story.
Mia is a successful author. Her life changes when a stalker starts emailing her. The stalker scares her when he sends photos of Mia and her young daughter. Mia reaches out to DI Gravel for help.
Even though we knew who the stalker was early on I didn’t think it took away from the story. In fact in this book it added so much. It kinda made me hold my breaths in parts.
Although Grav wasn’t a main character in this story I really enjoyed it. I found it was a fast paced and gripping read.
Ive read each of this authors books and I’ve got to say his writing is outstanding. He certainly knows how to captivate his readers. I read this in one sitting. I couldn’t put it down. I’m just gonna change the ending in my head lol
I highly recommend this story.
October 24, 2018
What is it about the overweight, overbearing, misogynist DI Gravel that I find quite so endearing? In theory he's distinctly unlikable; but I LOVE him! I really do, and clever Mia, getting him to help her. He'd be the first person I'd go to in a crisis as well. He's dependable, reassuring and lovingly old fashioned. Anonymity is an engrossing and absorbing thriller. Whilst reading in bed last night, I was on the edge of my seat, (I know that sounds physically impossible and I agree, it was a challenge but most necessary). It was only when one of the dogs yelped that I realised I was gripping his paw too tightly! I'm not sure how men will get on with this book because it requires multi tasking; you need to read the story whilst at the same time thinking, "OMG! OMG! OMG!" Truly terrifying and horrendously heart breaking in places, the pace is so brisk I could feel the wind blowing my hair. John Nicholl is an amazing and awesome author and I am delighted to recommend Anonymity to anyone and everyone. Just hold onto your hat and apologise to the dog in advance. It's fine, you can thank me later!
November 7, 2018
This is book 4 in the series and what a cracking read it is. It had me gripped from beginning to end and I highly recommend you give It a go. A very talented author in my opinion. Huge 5 stars.
October 24, 2018
Anonymity by author John Nicole is a great fast paced psychological/suspenseful/crime thriller. Basically it’s a woman’s worst nightmare turned reality. The characters are developed great and the plot is thick, I would recommend Anonymity to anyone!
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for an arc copy of Anonymity in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for an arc copy of Anonymity in exchange for an honest review.
November 13, 2018
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I love this author’s books and I find them really addictive and this one was no different! I loved the storyline and it was great to get back in touch with Gravel, I had to wait for him to appear in the book though!
There were a few parts in the book that made me turn my nose up and shudder so that just shows how well the author developed everything and how engrossed I was with the storyline too – his writing style is brilliant and so well suited to this kind of book!
Five stars from me for this one, I was hooked and read it in an afternoon – can’t wait for the next release from John Nicholl – very, very highly recommended!!
I love this author’s books and I find them really addictive and this one was no different! I loved the storyline and it was great to get back in touch with Gravel, I had to wait for him to appear in the book though!
There were a few parts in the book that made me turn my nose up and shudder so that just shows how well the author developed everything and how engrossed I was with the storyline too – his writing style is brilliant and so well suited to this kind of book!
Five stars from me for this one, I was hooked and read it in an afternoon – can’t wait for the next release from John Nicholl – very, very highly recommended!!
November 7, 2018
Oh My Goodness. This was bloody brilliant. Dark, grim, disturbing and twisted. Parts of this book are not for the faint hearted, even made my stomach turn at parts.
That ending was a total jaw dropper, unexpected. Anonymity will have you on the edge of your seat throughout. You will be secretly shouting at Mia to wake up, see what’s right in front of her. Thrilling, gripping and brilliant. Enjoyed this one.
Brilliantly written, fast paced and a page turner of a read. A well deserved five stars from me. Highly recommend! Johns story have never let me down yet and this was no exception. Brilliant author. Brilliant stories.
That ending was a total jaw dropper, unexpected. Anonymity will have you on the edge of your seat throughout. You will be secretly shouting at Mia to wake up, see what’s right in front of her. Thrilling, gripping and brilliant. Enjoyed this one.
Brilliantly written, fast paced and a page turner of a read. A well deserved five stars from me. Highly recommend! Johns story have never let me down yet and this was no exception. Brilliant author. Brilliant stories.
November 9, 2018
My Review: 5/5
The latest book by John Nicholl is suspenseful and so, so good!
I’ve become a huge fan of Mr. Nicholl over the last six months. His books are real and honest and cut to the core. He doesn’t pull any punches or dance around the issue at hand. I love this, but for some it might be a little too much.
This book focuses on stalking. Mia is a best selling author and starts to receive anonymous threatening emails. She turns to one of my favorite detectives: DI Grav. This time it’s personal…he receives threats of his own.
I loved the suspense. My heart was racing with every page that turned up until the very end. I highly recommend this book!
The latest book by John Nicholl is suspenseful and so, so good!
I’ve become a huge fan of Mr. Nicholl over the last six months. His books are real and honest and cut to the core. He doesn’t pull any punches or dance around the issue at hand. I love this, but for some it might be a little too much.
This book focuses on stalking. Mia is a best selling author and starts to receive anonymous threatening emails. She turns to one of my favorite detectives: DI Grav. This time it’s personal…he receives threats of his own.
I loved the suspense. My heart was racing with every page that turned up until the very end. I highly recommend this book!
November 9, 2018
When life has dealt you a bad hand with your health and the only good thing that came out of your marriage was your beautiful daughter it's difficult to keep your mind focused and be positive about the future. But for Mia things start looking up again: as her career as a writer seems to hold no bounds, her health slowly improves and the love of her family helps to keep her strong, life for her is beginning to look a lot more rosy.....until someone starts playing with her mind. This is a chilling psychological thriller that will make your toes curl and the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. This is the first book I have read by John Nicholl and it certainly will not be the last. An exceptional read and highly recommended.
November 22, 2018
Another Fantastic Story by John Nicholl ,,He Really is a Master of His Art
November 4, 2018
This is the fourth book in the brilliant DI Gareth Gravel series. Grav is on extended sick leave following another heart attack when the daughter of an old family friend contacts him for help. Mia is a successful novelist, recovering from cancer and a broken relationship and now trying to forge a new life with her young daughter Isabella. All is well until she starts to receive strange then ever threatening emails from "her number one fan". When Grav's daughter Emily is also threatened he is forced to involve his colleague Acting DI Laura Kesey as Mia begins to fall apart and people start dying. We know all the way through who the killer is. The author gives us plenty of insight into the mind of this deranged personality as the tensions builds in the race to catch the perpetrator and prevent any more deaths. No spoilers, I loved the book but I so wish it had a different ending! Another cracking read!!
November 12, 2018
If there is one thing you can rely upon from a book by John Nichol it is that from the very beginning it is going to take you on one heck of a journey as he takes an ordinary person and pits them against the extraordinary. Anonymity is no exception to that rule! We read about successful author Mia, who is already battling an addiction to prescription painkillers, being driven to edge by a figure of pure evil.
John has a wonderful knack of creating very believable characters as well as building a marvelous sense of atmosphere – the hairs on the back of my neck were on end during more than one paragraph.
A well-deserved 5 stars from me, this book is deliciously dark and very intense; I simply couldn’t put it down.
John has a wonderful knack of creating very believable characters as well as building a marvelous sense of atmosphere – the hairs on the back of my neck were on end during more than one paragraph.
A well-deserved 5 stars from me, this book is deliciously dark and very intense; I simply couldn’t put it down.
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