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DI Gravel #2
The Tywi Estuary Killings
Is it revenge or is it justice?
DI Gravel is supposed to be on mandatory leave, but when a severed head washes up on the estuary beach his holiday is cut short. Back on the job, he’s shocked when the case leads him to the victim from an old case
Seventeen years ago, the system failed Rebecca. They let the abuser of a six-year-old girl walk free. But she’s all grown up now and talking the law into her own hands.
Is this one killer DI Gravel doesn’t want to catch?
This is the second book in the dark, edge-of-your-seat Carmarthen Crime thriller series set in the stunning West Wales countryside.
*Previously published as Before I Met Him*
DI Gravel is supposed to be on mandatory leave, but when a severed head washes up on the estuary beach his holiday is cut short. Back on the job, he’s shocked when the case leads him to the victim from an old case
Seventeen years ago, the system failed Rebecca. They let the abuser of a six-year-old girl walk free. But she’s all grown up now and talking the law into her own hands.
Is this one killer DI Gravel doesn’t want to catch?
This is the second book in the dark, edge-of-your-seat Carmarthen Crime thriller series set in the stunning West Wales countryside.
*Previously published as Before I Met Him*
282 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 12, 2017
421 people are currently reading
1840 people want to read
About the author
John Nicholl
26 books2,023 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 214 reviews
September 23, 2017
Wow!! An incredibly dark and gritty thriller! 4.5*
Absolutely not for the faint of heart!! There are scenes that are markedly cringe-worthy! Very disturbing…yet I was instantly drawn in and could not pull myself away!
Rebecca was sexually abused as a young child by a pedophile that inexplicably escaped prosecution. Now as a grown woman, Rebecca is seeking her own brand of justice against these sexually deviant men.
“Will you walk into my parlour? Said the spider to the fly”
Meet Detective Inspector Gareth Gravel, known to all as Grav. The good detective is over-worked, burned-out and suffering from PTSD brought on by previous murder cases. He’s on a long overdue and mandatory vacation ordered by his superiors. He’s an angry, surly alcoholic who is barely functioning through life. But, as a detective there is no better! So when trouble calls and body parts start washing up on the shoreline, he is quickly called back to duty.
Grav’s character was portrayed with such depth! His crass behavior could be a turnoff to some, but it absolutely works for him. And even though he’s a very unlikable character, I couldn't help but feel a connection to him!!
This was an incredibly fast read. I was quickly drawn in and knew this was going to be a new favorite! I was glued to the characters and the storyline. Highly recommend this book to everyone who likes their books with a bit of a sordid, dark edge.
Thank you to John Nicholl for providing me with a copy of his book in exchange for an honest review.
Absolutely not for the faint of heart!! There are scenes that are markedly cringe-worthy! Very disturbing…yet I was instantly drawn in and could not pull myself away!
Rebecca was sexually abused as a young child by a pedophile that inexplicably escaped prosecution. Now as a grown woman, Rebecca is seeking her own brand of justice against these sexually deviant men.
“Will you walk into my parlour? Said the spider to the fly”
Meet Detective Inspector Gareth Gravel, known to all as Grav. The good detective is over-worked, burned-out and suffering from PTSD brought on by previous murder cases. He’s on a long overdue and mandatory vacation ordered by his superiors. He’s an angry, surly alcoholic who is barely functioning through life. But, as a detective there is no better! So when trouble calls and body parts start washing up on the shoreline, he is quickly called back to duty.
Grav’s character was portrayed with such depth! His crass behavior could be a turnoff to some, but it absolutely works for him. And even though he’s a very unlikable character, I couldn't help but feel a connection to him!!
This was an incredibly fast read. I was quickly drawn in and knew this was going to be a new favorite! I was glued to the characters and the storyline. Highly recommend this book to everyone who likes their books with a bit of a sordid, dark edge.
Thank you to John Nicholl for providing me with a copy of his book in exchange for an honest review.
September 1, 2017
Well this is exactly how I like my murder/serial killer books to be - grisly, gritty and gruesome - mixed with a brilliant cast in a superb police procedural. "A Mind To Kill" by John Nicholl fits this perfectly.
Rebecca Smith is abused when she is six years old by her ballet instructor. Unable to secure a conviction the police are forced to let him go but Rebecca never forgets and exacts her own brutal revenge on men like him who prey on young children.
Although we know from the start who the murderer is this doesn't spoil the story, as it is about the reasons why she feels compelled to kill and how it affected her and her family when the abuser wasn't brought to justice. At times this book is quite gruesome so if you're offended or dislike that sort of thing then maybe this isn't for you but since the nature of the book is about revenge then it is wholly appropriate to the story and the author has portrayed it all brilliantly. The Detective Sergeant - Gareth Gravel - at the time of Rebecca's abuse case, is still on the force when she takes a job with the police as a computer expert. Now an Inspector, he is brought back from holiday to investigate the macabre discovery of body parts. I really liked 'Grav' and found myself relating him to one of my favourite Detectives - Inspector Jack Frost, as he had that same attitude and temperament.
With wonderfully likeable characters who fit their parts perfectly and with a well thought out plot line this makes up a fabulous book that I absolutely loved and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it or the author John Nicholl to crime readers of all ages. I do hope in the future to read all his previous novels that have also been hugely successful.
5 stars.
Rebecca Smith is abused when she is six years old by her ballet instructor. Unable to secure a conviction the police are forced to let him go but Rebecca never forgets and exacts her own brutal revenge on men like him who prey on young children.
Although we know from the start who the murderer is this doesn't spoil the story, as it is about the reasons why she feels compelled to kill and how it affected her and her family when the abuser wasn't brought to justice. At times this book is quite gruesome so if you're offended or dislike that sort of thing then maybe this isn't for you but since the nature of the book is about revenge then it is wholly appropriate to the story and the author has portrayed it all brilliantly. The Detective Sergeant - Gareth Gravel - at the time of Rebecca's abuse case, is still on the force when she takes a job with the police as a computer expert. Now an Inspector, he is brought back from holiday to investigate the macabre discovery of body parts. I really liked 'Grav' and found myself relating him to one of my favourite Detectives - Inspector Jack Frost, as he had that same attitude and temperament.
With wonderfully likeable characters who fit their parts perfectly and with a well thought out plot line this makes up a fabulous book that I absolutely loved and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it or the author John Nicholl to crime readers of all ages. I do hope in the future to read all his previous novels that have also been hugely successful.
5 stars.
October 2, 2017
"I'm in here. Come on. I'm in here. Come and play with me. I've been waiting for you"... "Walk into my parlor said the spider to a fly. Tis the prettiest little parlor that ever you did spy."
Rebecca was only six years old when she was violated by a paedophile monster and he got away with it. There was not any justice that was served. D.I. Grav felt that he had failed her.
Rebecca is now 23 years old and she now puts justice in her own hands and seeks out her revenge on the internet, going to chat rooms, looking for the worst kinds of paedophiles. "Tip Tap, Tip Tap"! She hunts them down.
She acts like she is a child and lures them in and sets up a trap for them and kills them one by one.
D.I Grab and his partner are on the hunt for a serial killer.
My thoughts
This is a very dark, disturbing, and gritty psychological thriller. It hooked me in straight from the beginning to the very end. It was so gripping.
It was a very tough subject matter and very graphic. It was difficult to read at times but it also was very good. It is not for the faint of heart. Its very fast paced and a very quick read. It will keep you turning the pages.
This book will give you the chills, when I was finished, I wanted more. The characters were done very well.
John Nicholl is an ex police officer, child protection social worker, so he really knows how to write a dark psychological thriller with all the experience he has. I loved his book White Is The Coldest Color. I want more and have most of his books downloaded on my kindle. So I will be reading them soon.
I want to thank John Nicholl for the copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Rebecca was only six years old when she was violated by a paedophile monster and he got away with it. There was not any justice that was served. D.I. Grav felt that he had failed her.
Rebecca is now 23 years old and she now puts justice in her own hands and seeks out her revenge on the internet, going to chat rooms, looking for the worst kinds of paedophiles. "Tip Tap, Tip Tap"! She hunts them down.
She acts like she is a child and lures them in and sets up a trap for them and kills them one by one.
D.I Grab and his partner are on the hunt for a serial killer.
My thoughts
This is a very dark, disturbing, and gritty psychological thriller. It hooked me in straight from the beginning to the very end. It was so gripping.
It was a very tough subject matter and very graphic. It was difficult to read at times but it also was very good. It is not for the faint of heart. Its very fast paced and a very quick read. It will keep you turning the pages.
This book will give you the chills, when I was finished, I wanted more. The characters were done very well.
John Nicholl is an ex police officer, child protection social worker, so he really knows how to write a dark psychological thriller with all the experience he has. I loved his book White Is The Coldest Color. I want more and have most of his books downloaded on my kindle. So I will be reading them soon.
I want to thank John Nicholl for the copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 16, 2017
First and foremost, thank you to John Nicholl for providing me with a copy of this book, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
After thoroughly enjoying his previous work, I jumped at the opportunity to read an early copy of John Nicholl’s latest work. Likely pulling on some of his past experiences in Child Protection, Nicholl tells a dark and somewhat macabre story that will pull the reader in, if only to learn whether justice is served by the end. When the Crown Prosecution Service declines to press charges after she is sexually assaulted by her ballet instructor, six year-old Rebecca Smith is left to fight with the demons that haunt her dreams. There is now a paedophile left lurking in the shadows and DS Gareth ‘Grav’ Gravel has no answers for the Smith family. Moving ahead seventeen years, Grav is now a DI, though some of his recent activity has left him hanging onto his job by the skin of his teeth. Fallout from his partner’s apparent suicide has just about pushed Grav to the brink. Perhaps a holiday in the Bahamas will rejuvenate him and allow him to reorganize himself. Meanwhile, little Rebecca Smith is now a grown woman, though the demons are still ever-present. She has secured a tech job within the West Wales Police Force in Caerystwyth, but her true passion is hunting for paedophiles who lure children online. Taking on various child personas, Smith is able to keep up significant banter with them, until just the right moment, when she lays a trap and has them come for a visit. Rather than an innocent child waiting for a ‘special friend’, Smith enacts the revenge she wished she could have done all those years ago; torturing, killing, and dismembering the bodies. When some of the body parts surface in a local body of water, new hire DS Laura Kesey must make sense of this, while Grav remains halfway around the world. Her initial investigation makes some headway, though how could she know that Smith is the fox in the henhouse, wiping out some key evidence that could close the case in short order. As Grav is summoned back early from holiday, he is confronted with a case that is not bringing in leads as swiftly as he might have hoped. Add to that, Smith makes herself known to him, laying on significant guilt for his past failures. Will it be enough to spur Grav on to catching this paedophile killer, or has the past all but defeated him once and for all? Dark and at times shocking in its bluntness, Nicholl provides the reader a free trip into those parts of society many hope never to encounter. Perfect for those readers who are willing to venture well out of their comfort zone and never to feel the same way about the vulnerability of children again, with a powerful ending to leave a lasting residue.
My current work in Child Protection has left me a little better suited to stomach some of the atrocities found in this book, but no one can be completely prepared. Nicholl has continued to impress me with his abilities, both in writing and storytelling. He uses some of his own knowledge and experiences, weaving it into stories of the most depraved portions of society. While some might try to shy away or candy coat, Nicholl thrives on telling it ‘like it is’, if only to pay respect to the victims and raise a red flag with the reader. The characters used herein show the various perspectives that are present in the world of paedophilia: the vulnerable child, the helpless coppers, the destroyed family members, and even the general public. Nicholl provides a narrative that is both full of despair for the victims and yet shows how an investigation might yield effective results, given the right break. While I applaud the Rebecca Smith character and how she might seek to enact revenge after her ordeal, I am slightly troubled how her childhood trauma might turn her into such a ruthless killer. I might expect her to be withdrawn and not fuelled by such hatred to the point of plotting numerous murders. Granted, I have not been through such an experience and Nicholl is sure to have a a better understanding of the mindset of such victims. If the reader is looking for a swift and happy ending, this is surely not the book for them. However, those who can handle a trip to the dark side, come join Nicholl on this unforgettable journey.
Kudos, Mr. Nicholl for this stunning piece. It chilled me to the core and I am sure many readers familiar with your work will be just as interested (dare I use the word, ‘excited’?) to tuck in. Always a pleasure to see what you have to offer.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
After thoroughly enjoying his previous work, I jumped at the opportunity to read an early copy of John Nicholl’s latest work. Likely pulling on some of his past experiences in Child Protection, Nicholl tells a dark and somewhat macabre story that will pull the reader in, if only to learn whether justice is served by the end. When the Crown Prosecution Service declines to press charges after she is sexually assaulted by her ballet instructor, six year-old Rebecca Smith is left to fight with the demons that haunt her dreams. There is now a paedophile left lurking in the shadows and DS Gareth ‘Grav’ Gravel has no answers for the Smith family. Moving ahead seventeen years, Grav is now a DI, though some of his recent activity has left him hanging onto his job by the skin of his teeth. Fallout from his partner’s apparent suicide has just about pushed Grav to the brink. Perhaps a holiday in the Bahamas will rejuvenate him and allow him to reorganize himself. Meanwhile, little Rebecca Smith is now a grown woman, though the demons are still ever-present. She has secured a tech job within the West Wales Police Force in Caerystwyth, but her true passion is hunting for paedophiles who lure children online. Taking on various child personas, Smith is able to keep up significant banter with them, until just the right moment, when she lays a trap and has them come for a visit. Rather than an innocent child waiting for a ‘special friend’, Smith enacts the revenge she wished she could have done all those years ago; torturing, killing, and dismembering the bodies. When some of the body parts surface in a local body of water, new hire DS Laura Kesey must make sense of this, while Grav remains halfway around the world. Her initial investigation makes some headway, though how could she know that Smith is the fox in the henhouse, wiping out some key evidence that could close the case in short order. As Grav is summoned back early from holiday, he is confronted with a case that is not bringing in leads as swiftly as he might have hoped. Add to that, Smith makes herself known to him, laying on significant guilt for his past failures. Will it be enough to spur Grav on to catching this paedophile killer, or has the past all but defeated him once and for all? Dark and at times shocking in its bluntness, Nicholl provides the reader a free trip into those parts of society many hope never to encounter. Perfect for those readers who are willing to venture well out of their comfort zone and never to feel the same way about the vulnerability of children again, with a powerful ending to leave a lasting residue.
My current work in Child Protection has left me a little better suited to stomach some of the atrocities found in this book, but no one can be completely prepared. Nicholl has continued to impress me with his abilities, both in writing and storytelling. He uses some of his own knowledge and experiences, weaving it into stories of the most depraved portions of society. While some might try to shy away or candy coat, Nicholl thrives on telling it ‘like it is’, if only to pay respect to the victims and raise a red flag with the reader. The characters used herein show the various perspectives that are present in the world of paedophilia: the vulnerable child, the helpless coppers, the destroyed family members, and even the general public. Nicholl provides a narrative that is both full of despair for the victims and yet shows how an investigation might yield effective results, given the right break. While I applaud the Rebecca Smith character and how she might seek to enact revenge after her ordeal, I am slightly troubled how her childhood trauma might turn her into such a ruthless killer. I might expect her to be withdrawn and not fuelled by such hatred to the point of plotting numerous murders. Granted, I have not been through such an experience and Nicholl is sure to have a a better understanding of the mindset of such victims. If the reader is looking for a swift and happy ending, this is surely not the book for them. However, those who can handle a trip to the dark side, come join Nicholl on this unforgettable journey.
Kudos, Mr. Nicholl for this stunning piece. It chilled me to the core and I am sure many readers familiar with your work will be just as interested (dare I use the word, ‘excited’?) to tuck in. Always a pleasure to see what you have to offer.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
August 5, 2017
A Mind To Kill is a combination dark psychological thriller and police procedural. We do know the identity of the killer from the start. She is Rebecca Smith, IT expert for the police department, who was sexually abused as a child. Unfortunately, there was not enough evidence to convict the rapist, even though 6-year-old Becca was brave enough to tell the authorities what had happened to her. Rebecca cannot come to terms with the horrors of the experience and is devoting her adult life to vengeance against as many pedophiles as possible. Rebecca gets sloppy though and the police find a severed head in a bag down by the river. It is then the cops get involved.
Enter DI Gareth “Grav” Gravel, familiar to Nicholl fans from his previous novels. Grav was lead investigator in 6 year-old Rebecca’s case. Rebecca feels the police let her down. Grav carries feelings of guilt that he was not good enough to get Rebecca’s rapist sent away. Grav’s and Rebecca’s paths are colliding again.
This is a quick, yet wrenching read. Rebecca is seriously disturbed. She is not a nice person any way you look at it. She is very unkind to her parents, who have tried to be supportive, but Rebecca cannot let things go. She has one mission in life and has willingly sacrificed everything but her day job for that endeavor. We are audience to her horrific methods, and as hardened as I am to dark graphic violence, some of these scenes were tough. Though I understood why she was the way she was, it was difficult to feel anything but sadness for this protagonist.
On the other hand, weathered DI Gravell is like an old comfy shoe to me, and I love him. He’s a crusty guy who doesn’t take care of himself, despite the frequent (imagined) whispers of encouragement from his beloved dead wife Heather. And he sure isn’t afraid to bend the rules when necessary in order to assure the right result. Though he is certainly rough around the edges, Grav is well respected by his colleagues.
John Nicoll has a wealth of experience with Child Protection services and law enforcement, lending a sense of real creditability to the story. As in all his novels, he makes his readers think. Is vigilantism acceptable? After all, as Rebecca knows, pedophiles ruin lives. Why should they get away with it? But who governs the rules of vigilantism? There have to be some guidelines and limits, right? How would that work? Or could it work at all? Should this even be considered??? Again, much to think about.
In summary, this is fast-paced and thought-provoking story with very good characterization and an ending that in my opinion could go no other way. A warning to the faint of heart: Take an anti-nausea pill before reading if you are prone to revulsion and skim the brutal parts. Or just skip this one. Otherwise, I recommend it to all readers who want a quick read that is well written and goes way below the surface.
Note to John Nicholl: John, could you please have Grav see a doctor? I don’t want him dropping dead on us anytime soon. He would be sorely missed.
And thank you, Mr. Nicholl, for providing me with an ARC of your novel. The opinions in my review are mine alone and are unbiased in any way.
Enter DI Gareth “Grav” Gravel, familiar to Nicholl fans from his previous novels. Grav was lead investigator in 6 year-old Rebecca’s case. Rebecca feels the police let her down. Grav carries feelings of guilt that he was not good enough to get Rebecca’s rapist sent away. Grav’s and Rebecca’s paths are colliding again.
This is a quick, yet wrenching read. Rebecca is seriously disturbed. She is not a nice person any way you look at it. She is very unkind to her parents, who have tried to be supportive, but Rebecca cannot let things go. She has one mission in life and has willingly sacrificed everything but her day job for that endeavor. We are audience to her horrific methods, and as hardened as I am to dark graphic violence, some of these scenes were tough. Though I understood why she was the way she was, it was difficult to feel anything but sadness for this protagonist.
On the other hand, weathered DI Gravell is like an old comfy shoe to me, and I love him. He’s a crusty guy who doesn’t take care of himself, despite the frequent (imagined) whispers of encouragement from his beloved dead wife Heather. And he sure isn’t afraid to bend the rules when necessary in order to assure the right result. Though he is certainly rough around the edges, Grav is well respected by his colleagues.
John Nicoll has a wealth of experience with Child Protection services and law enforcement, lending a sense of real creditability to the story. As in all his novels, he makes his readers think. Is vigilantism acceptable? After all, as Rebecca knows, pedophiles ruin lives. Why should they get away with it? But who governs the rules of vigilantism? There have to be some guidelines and limits, right? How would that work? Or could it work at all? Should this even be considered??? Again, much to think about.
In summary, this is fast-paced and thought-provoking story with very good characterization and an ending that in my opinion could go no other way. A warning to the faint of heart: Take an anti-nausea pill before reading if you are prone to revulsion and skim the brutal parts. Or just skip this one. Otherwise, I recommend it to all readers who want a quick read that is well written and goes way below the surface.
Note to John Nicholl: John, could you please have Grav see a doctor? I don’t want him dropping dead on us anytime soon. He would be sorely missed.
And thank you, Mr. Nicholl, for providing me with an ARC of your novel. The opinions in my review are mine alone and are unbiased in any way.
November 6, 2017
4.5 stars - this book was incredibly dark, disturbing and gruesome; and yet it turned out to be quite thought provoking for me.
Rebecca was sexually abused as a child by a pedophile and it left her emotionally and mentally scarred. Rather than being prosecuted, her assailant walked away freely and this broke her family apart. As a grown woman, she made it her life's mission to punish sexual predators by posing as children online. She lured them to her house where she ruthlessly tortured and eventually killed them. I somewhat sympathised with Rebecca and understood that her demeanour was a result of the abuse; but she was so bitter that I just couldn't stand her.
DI Gravel (or Grav) was another character I had a hard time liking. He suffered from PTSD and was advised to take time off work. But when a decapitated head and two arms were recovered from a beach, he was brought back in order to lead the investigation. He was a heavy drinker, smoked a lot, and had foul language. But he was also someone who found results and was one of the best detectives.
I pondered a lot after finishing this book. About how Rebecca thought her actions were completely justifiable - that she was ridding the world of evil. I was conflicted because I didn't feel bad about what she did to those people, and yet I knew it wasn't the best solution. Committing murder in order to prevent another crime - one even as vile as pedophilia - can lead to anarchy and chaos; which is why the law is put in place. I also thought about how UNSAFE the internet can be. For our kids, our younger siblings, and ESPECIALLY vulnerable children who have no one to look out for them. Those are the kind the predators look for. Feed off of. It's really frightening to think that our very own could fall victim to this.
The author John Nicholl, who himself worked as a police officer and social worker for the child guidance service, did not shy away from being raw and graphic in his descriptions. There were times when I couldn't read because it got too much; other times I read frantically because I was so anxious about what was to come. But despite how uncomfortable it made me, I did enjoy reading it; and I will say that it's not for everyone.
Rebecca was sexually abused as a child by a pedophile and it left her emotionally and mentally scarred. Rather than being prosecuted, her assailant walked away freely and this broke her family apart. As a grown woman, she made it her life's mission to punish sexual predators by posing as children online. She lured them to her house where she ruthlessly tortured and eventually killed them. I somewhat sympathised with Rebecca and understood that her demeanour was a result of the abuse; but she was so bitter that I just couldn't stand her.
DI Gravel (or Grav) was another character I had a hard time liking. He suffered from PTSD and was advised to take time off work. But when a decapitated head and two arms were recovered from a beach, he was brought back in order to lead the investigation. He was a heavy drinker, smoked a lot, and had foul language. But he was also someone who found results and was one of the best detectives.
I pondered a lot after finishing this book. About how Rebecca thought her actions were completely justifiable - that she was ridding the world of evil. I was conflicted because I didn't feel bad about what she did to those people, and yet I knew it wasn't the best solution. Committing murder in order to prevent another crime - one even as vile as pedophilia - can lead to anarchy and chaos; which is why the law is put in place. I also thought about how UNSAFE the internet can be. For our kids, our younger siblings, and ESPECIALLY vulnerable children who have no one to look out for them. Those are the kind the predators look for. Feed off of. It's really frightening to think that our very own could fall victim to this.
The author John Nicholl, who himself worked as a police officer and social worker for the child guidance service, did not shy away from being raw and graphic in his descriptions. There were times when I couldn't read because it got too much; other times I read frantically because I was so anxious about what was to come. But despite how uncomfortable it made me, I did enjoy reading it; and I will say that it's not for everyone.
July 26, 2017
A MIND TO KILL by best-selling author John Nicholl is a fabulous psychological thriller that will have you totally absorbed from beginning until the end. I wish to thank John Nicholl for providing me with a copy of his latest book. After thoroughly enjoying his previous novels, I jumped at the chance to read and review this one. This is my overall favorite. I don’t know how he does it…this talented author gets better with every book!
A Mind To Kill is a dark and disturbing book that deals with a the subject of child abuse, and is not for the faint-hearted, but it is necessary to show the aftermath on a child and her family, when the legal system fails and the abuser escapes justice. This happened to six- year-old Rebecca Smith, and her life was forever changed.
DS Gareth (Grav) Gravel was the officer in charge of the child abuse case and had to deliver the bad news to the Smith family that the case would not make it to court. Fast forward seventeen years and Rebecca (Becca) wants her revenge. Revenge on any man who preys on the innocent.
“They kill innocence. She wants revenge.”
Rebecca(Becca) now twenty-three-years old has secured a supervisor tech position within the West Wales Police Force in Caerystwyth, where she inspects computers to help find evidence for her colleagues, but her true reason for living is hunting for paedophiles who lure children online. She lives alone…still coming to terms with her past.
Now seventeen years later, DI Gareth (Grav) Gravel is called home to the UK from his three-week holiday in Barbados, to head up a double murder case for two unidentified victims. Grav, overweight, a cigar smoker, heavy drinker had been through a lot at work and now suffers from PTSD. Grav is old-school who bends the rules but gets results. DS Laura Kesey finds herself working with Grav in finding the murderer. (I must comment that I loved the scenic descriptions of the island, as I have been many times to Barbados. It brought back many pleasant memories of the constant chirping of the crickets, banks beer, rum punch, aqua water and the amazing coastline.)
How appropriate that the killer’s favorite poem is “The Spider and the Fly” by author Mary Howitt (1799-1888).
“Will you walk into my parlor?” said the spider to the fly;
“’Tis the prettiest little parlor that ever you did spy.
The way into my parlor is up a winding stair,
And I have many pretty things to show when you are there.”
“O no, no,” said the little fly, “to ask me is in vain,
For who goes up your winding stair can ne’er come down again…”
The Spider and the Fly by English author Mary Howitt is easily one of the most recognized and quoted first lines in all of English verse. But how does the age-old tale of the Spider and the Fly end.? Mary Howitt's notice, written to her own children about those who use sweet words to hide their not-so-sweet intentions.
This was one amazing read. Nicholl continues to impress me with his abilities in writing and weaving his stories based on his own first-hand knowledge and work experiences. And he is up-front and not afraid to tell it like it is. The characters are well developed, and flawed in nature which makes them more believable. My heart went out to the victim/killer Rebecca Smith and the mind-set of the victim for seeking revenge. This novel reminded me of Charlie Bronson’s movie, “Death Wish”.
Don’t miss out on this gripping page-turner of a psychological thriller. Set with a 5 August release date. Read all his books as they are all excellent!
“WILL YOU WALK INTO MY PARLOUR? SAID THE SPIDER TO THE FLY.”
A Mind To Kill is a dark and disturbing book that deals with a the subject of child abuse, and is not for the faint-hearted, but it is necessary to show the aftermath on a child and her family, when the legal system fails and the abuser escapes justice. This happened to six- year-old Rebecca Smith, and her life was forever changed.
DS Gareth (Grav) Gravel was the officer in charge of the child abuse case and had to deliver the bad news to the Smith family that the case would not make it to court. Fast forward seventeen years and Rebecca (Becca) wants her revenge. Revenge on any man who preys on the innocent.
“They kill innocence. She wants revenge.”
Rebecca(Becca) now twenty-three-years old has secured a supervisor tech position within the West Wales Police Force in Caerystwyth, where she inspects computers to help find evidence for her colleagues, but her true reason for living is hunting for paedophiles who lure children online. She lives alone…still coming to terms with her past.
Now seventeen years later, DI Gareth (Grav) Gravel is called home to the UK from his three-week holiday in Barbados, to head up a double murder case for two unidentified victims. Grav, overweight, a cigar smoker, heavy drinker had been through a lot at work and now suffers from PTSD. Grav is old-school who bends the rules but gets results. DS Laura Kesey finds herself working with Grav in finding the murderer. (I must comment that I loved the scenic descriptions of the island, as I have been many times to Barbados. It brought back many pleasant memories of the constant chirping of the crickets, banks beer, rum punch, aqua water and the amazing coastline.)
How appropriate that the killer’s favorite poem is “The Spider and the Fly” by author Mary Howitt (1799-1888).
“Will you walk into my parlor?” said the spider to the fly;
“’Tis the prettiest little parlor that ever you did spy.
The way into my parlor is up a winding stair,
And I have many pretty things to show when you are there.”
“O no, no,” said the little fly, “to ask me is in vain,
For who goes up your winding stair can ne’er come down again…”
The Spider and the Fly by English author Mary Howitt is easily one of the most recognized and quoted first lines in all of English verse. But how does the age-old tale of the Spider and the Fly end.? Mary Howitt's notice, written to her own children about those who use sweet words to hide their not-so-sweet intentions.
This was one amazing read. Nicholl continues to impress me with his abilities in writing and weaving his stories based on his own first-hand knowledge and work experiences. And he is up-front and not afraid to tell it like it is. The characters are well developed, and flawed in nature which makes them more believable. My heart went out to the victim/killer Rebecca Smith and the mind-set of the victim for seeking revenge. This novel reminded me of Charlie Bronson’s movie, “Death Wish”.
Don’t miss out on this gripping page-turner of a psychological thriller. Set with a 5 August release date. Read all his books as they are all excellent!
“WILL YOU WALK INTO MY PARLOUR? SAID THE SPIDER TO THE FLY.”
July 15, 2017
I have had the privilege of reading all of this authors books. As soon as a new book of his comes out I finish reading the book I'm on and jump right in because I've learned to love his style of writing and the insight and ability he has to get inside the mind of his characters which then means he breathes air into them, thus, making the reader envision them as real people no matter how horrid some of them turn out to be.
We have Detective Inspector Gareth Gravel know as Grav.
It opens where he needs to impart some bad news to a couple.
Having a terrible unforgivable crime happen to your young daughter then despite all the interviewing and the going over and over of what happened, the CPS say there isn't enough evidence. And despite Grav knowing that justic hasn't been done, there isn't a single thing he can do.
We get to know the girl, the daughter who has now grown, left home, but has she got over and come to terms with her past?
Herein lays the story that is so awesomely told to us readers we will be flicking page after page.
"Just one more chapter" will be the statement of many a reader who reads this book because once you start, you can't relax.
This keeps you on the brink right the way through, well, it did me.
The chapters are quick and snappy so suddenly you are almost at the end.
Love the ending.
With this authors incredible talent, the way he can draw on his experiences in his prior work, the wheels of his ageless mind churning out such reads, I can honestly say I look eagerly to his book, after book, after book.
If you love audio I expect he will bring it out in that too as he did his previous books and with the voice of what I've heard from his other books it's so well done.
This is an author who likes to write and jump just a little over the edge sometimes to keep his readers gasping.
I love that!
We have Detective Inspector Gareth Gravel know as Grav.
It opens where he needs to impart some bad news to a couple.
Having a terrible unforgivable crime happen to your young daughter then despite all the interviewing and the going over and over of what happened, the CPS say there isn't enough evidence. And despite Grav knowing that justic hasn't been done, there isn't a single thing he can do.
We get to know the girl, the daughter who has now grown, left home, but has she got over and come to terms with her past?
Herein lays the story that is so awesomely told to us readers we will be flicking page after page.
"Just one more chapter" will be the statement of many a reader who reads this book because once you start, you can't relax.
This keeps you on the brink right the way through, well, it did me.
The chapters are quick and snappy so suddenly you are almost at the end.
Love the ending.
With this authors incredible talent, the way he can draw on his experiences in his prior work, the wheels of his ageless mind churning out such reads, I can honestly say I look eagerly to his book, after book, after book.
If you love audio I expect he will bring it out in that too as he did his previous books and with the voice of what I've heard from his other books it's so well done.
This is an author who likes to write and jump just a little over the edge sometimes to keep his readers gasping.
I love that!
September 4, 2017
THE BLURB
The focus of the book was not the 23-year-old woman's vile deeds, as much as it was the criticism of a justice system and society which allowed this to happen. That is the interesting angle of this book.
‘I’m in here. Come on. I’m in here. Come and play with me. I’ve been waiting for you…’A grizzly, stark, brutal, compelling thriller with a twist. When society allows innocent children to pay for its shortcomings and sins, the unthinkable waits to happen. A sad and shocking detective story that leaves the reader with thoughts of regret and shock. This was an interesting read. Chilling, gritty, brutal, disturbing, but with a bizarre realism and an expected ending, although predictable in retrospect. It was the ending that made me realize how interesting this plot was.
When Rebecca's childhood abuser avoids prosecution, it sets her on the path to revenge, revenge on any man who preys on the innocent. Twenty-three-year-old Rebecca poses as a child online and sets her trap, luring one predatory pedophile after another to their deaths. When a man's severed head is found washed up on a windswept estuary beach, the police begin their investigation.
Is vigilante justice ever justified?
The focus of the book was not the 23-year-old woman's vile deeds, as much as it was the criticism of a justice system and society which allowed this to happen. That is the interesting angle of this book.
August 3, 2017
Wow! What a story. Once again John Nicholl takes the deep pain of a victim and turns it on its ear. This was Rebecca's story. The story of a lost innocence and the damage that follows year after year until it creates a monster. Rebecca is juggling, and not quite as successfully as is needed. Her story becomes disturbing. Unable to even interact with her parents after a terrible and unresolved event, Rebecca is broken.
I love the inspector detective. His mind is quick and he is out of shape but I personally find him charming. Even when he is grinding a cigar beneath his heel. Nicholl brings out the most human traits good and vas and creates a vivid and sorted tale. A take where you question your own morality. His books remind me of the old saying. "There but by the grace of God, go I."
Chilling and written in a frank and intense manner, A Mind to Kill, stands out as a psychological thriller that needs sharing.
I love the inspector detective. His mind is quick and he is out of shape but I personally find him charming. Even when he is grinding a cigar beneath his heel. Nicholl brings out the most human traits good and vas and creates a vivid and sorted tale. A take where you question your own morality. His books remind me of the old saying. "There but by the grace of God, go I."
Chilling and written in a frank and intense manner, A Mind to Kill, stands out as a psychological thriller that needs sharing.
October 15, 2017
2.5 stars.
I was a bit disappointed with this book compared to Nicholl's earlier works. A vigilante killer is brutally ridding the area of paedophiles, pretending to be a young girl online and luring them to their deaths.
We know who the killer is and are just waiting for the police to catch up. What I found annoying was DI Gravel's OTT larrakin attitude and calling all women "love" and his rampant alcoholism. I don't remember it being quite so obvious in previous books. Also, the killer's long winded and repetitive monologues became annoying after a while. There's really not much else to the story, it could have been done better.
I was a bit disappointed with this book compared to Nicholl's earlier works. A vigilante killer is brutally ridding the area of paedophiles, pretending to be a young girl online and luring them to their deaths.
We know who the killer is and are just waiting for the police to catch up. What I found annoying was DI Gravel's OTT larrakin attitude and calling all women "love" and his rampant alcoholism. I don't remember it being quite so obvious in previous books. Also, the killer's long winded and repetitive monologues became annoying after a while. There's really not much else to the story, it could have been done better.
July 25, 2017
All my reviews can be found at http://thebookreviewcafe.com
John Nicholl isn’t afraid to write stories that challenge and shock, he pushes the boundaries of what we expect, if anything A Mind To Kill is his most shocking and disturbing book yet. This book deals with a very tough subject child abuse, and for that reason I’m not sure this book will be to everyone’s taste, it’s definitely not one for the faint-hearted as they are some pretty detailed scenes that are grim and very violent. Rebecca’s childhood is left in shatters when her abuser escapes justice. Fast forward seventeen years and Rebecca wants her revenge what follows is a dark and very disturbing tale.
A Mind To Kill is a book about vengeance and getting revenge on the worse kind of people, that commit the most abhorrent crimes. It’s very clear from John Nicholl’s writing that he is extremely knowledgeable in both police matters and child abuse, so although A Mind To Kill makes for a grim read, it also unfortunately makes for a very credible one in parts. The author gives an ugly insight into the minds of the predators who carry out the most heinous crimes, as a reader you can only hope these men get “their just deserts”. At times I did feel the plot was a little to far fetched to be realistic, but it’s a fiction book at the end of the day.
There’s is a very dark psychological thriller there no doubt about that, but it’s also fraught with tension and the sense of evil radiating from the pages is palatable. A Mind To Kill shows that nothing is black and white, sometimes the lines between become blurred, what happens when the justice system fails the very people it’s there to protect? Is it ever acceptable for someone to take the law into their own hands to seek justice? these were questions I found myself thinking about as I read A Mind To Kill, it’s a controversial story that I’m sure will raise many a debate amongst it’s readers. This novel is definitely not going to be to everyone’s taste It’s shocking and makes for a disconcerting read, so would I recommend it? Yes but only to those with a strong disposition.
John Nicholl isn’t afraid to write stories that challenge and shock, he pushes the boundaries of what we expect, if anything A Mind To Kill is his most shocking and disturbing book yet. This book deals with a very tough subject child abuse, and for that reason I’m not sure this book will be to everyone’s taste, it’s definitely not one for the faint-hearted as they are some pretty detailed scenes that are grim and very violent. Rebecca’s childhood is left in shatters when her abuser escapes justice. Fast forward seventeen years and Rebecca wants her revenge what follows is a dark and very disturbing tale.
A Mind To Kill is a book about vengeance and getting revenge on the worse kind of people, that commit the most abhorrent crimes. It’s very clear from John Nicholl’s writing that he is extremely knowledgeable in both police matters and child abuse, so although A Mind To Kill makes for a grim read, it also unfortunately makes for a very credible one in parts. The author gives an ugly insight into the minds of the predators who carry out the most heinous crimes, as a reader you can only hope these men get “their just deserts”. At times I did feel the plot was a little to far fetched to be realistic, but it’s a fiction book at the end of the day.
There’s is a very dark psychological thriller there no doubt about that, but it’s also fraught with tension and the sense of evil radiating from the pages is palatable. A Mind To Kill shows that nothing is black and white, sometimes the lines between become blurred, what happens when the justice system fails the very people it’s there to protect? Is it ever acceptable for someone to take the law into their own hands to seek justice? these were questions I found myself thinking about as I read A Mind To Kill, it’s a controversial story that I’m sure will raise many a debate amongst it’s readers. This novel is definitely not going to be to everyone’s taste It’s shocking and makes for a disconcerting read, so would I recommend it? Yes but only to those with a strong disposition.
July 24, 2017
I received a free copy of this book and this is my honest review.
This story packs a punch between the eyeballs that will keep you reeling all the way to the end.
Rebecca holds down a respectable job in the police technology department, where she inspects impounded computer ware to help find evidence for her colleagues.
Then there's the other side to Rebecca - a young woman who endured childhood sexual abuse and who's now hell-bent on enacting her revenge on sexual predators who target children. She stalks them in chat rooms and then leads them to their demise. There are gruesome, sadistic scenes, so hold onto something as we follow Rebecca's quest to rid the world of perpetrators - her way.
Lagging behind is the police department and Detective Grav, who was the man originally responsible for gathering evidence against Rebecca's childhood abuser. That original investigation never made it to court. Grav felt he failed and when Rebecca's identity comes to light, he's going to find it hard to pin her down as a sadistic killer of several men.
A fast read, full of gore and with an extra edge of sympathy for the main character, which makes it highly readable. I only dropped one star because of the abrupt ending (and because I'm a picky reviewer - sorry :))
This story packs a punch between the eyeballs that will keep you reeling all the way to the end.
Rebecca holds down a respectable job in the police technology department, where she inspects impounded computer ware to help find evidence for her colleagues.
Then there's the other side to Rebecca - a young woman who endured childhood sexual abuse and who's now hell-bent on enacting her revenge on sexual predators who target children. She stalks them in chat rooms and then leads them to their demise. There are gruesome, sadistic scenes, so hold onto something as we follow Rebecca's quest to rid the world of perpetrators - her way.
Lagging behind is the police department and Detective Grav, who was the man originally responsible for gathering evidence against Rebecca's childhood abuser. That original investigation never made it to court. Grav felt he failed and when Rebecca's identity comes to light, he's going to find it hard to pin her down as a sadistic killer of several men.
A fast read, full of gore and with an extra edge of sympathy for the main character, which makes it highly readable. I only dropped one star because of the abrupt ending (and because I'm a picky reviewer - sorry :))
August 15, 2019
A dark read but enjoyed this book.rebecca past haunts her abused she was let down by the system detective gravel tried to get him convicted.rebecca cant forget her past and wants revenge.gravel stressed overworked lost his partner goes on holiday but soon returns as people go missing with a new girl in charge they try to solve the case.great read.
July 20, 2018
Having just read and reviewed a book where the story heavily depended on the victim wanting revenge on the perpetrator but the criminal escaping justice on a legal technicality and the shortfall of the criminal justice system, leading to vigilantism. I was not expecting to come across another title that is based on the same fundamental's quite so quickly! That said, I have a soft spot for John Nicholl books so this blew the other title completely out of the water.
This is exactly the sort of book i've come to expect from Mr Nicholl - it is certainly not for the faint-hearted. He has a vivid imagination and as an ex-police and child protection officer some of the ideas in this story may have been inspired by true events and transferred into his fiction. We don't really know this is the case though. "Before I Met Him" is the third book in the DI Gravel series and what a dark and gritty read it is. Nicholl seems to like to verge on the sick and twisted side in terms of his crime fiction which has me hanging on his every word.
What makes this book different is that you actually side with the killer when usually most of us would side with the detective with a view to justice being done. There are deeper topics explored here than in your bog-standard thriller and I appreciated that. I also marvelled at just how engaged and enthralled I was for the whole gruesome ride!
Many thanks to Bloodhound Books for an ARC. I was not required to post a review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
This is exactly the sort of book i've come to expect from Mr Nicholl - it is certainly not for the faint-hearted. He has a vivid imagination and as an ex-police and child protection officer some of the ideas in this story may have been inspired by true events and transferred into his fiction. We don't really know this is the case though. "Before I Met Him" is the third book in the DI Gravel series and what a dark and gritty read it is. Nicholl seems to like to verge on the sick and twisted side in terms of his crime fiction which has me hanging on his every word.
What makes this book different is that you actually side with the killer when usually most of us would side with the detective with a view to justice being done. There are deeper topics explored here than in your bog-standard thriller and I appreciated that. I also marvelled at just how engaged and enthralled I was for the whole gruesome ride!
Many thanks to Bloodhound Books for an ARC. I was not required to post a review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
September 25, 2018
This is the 3rd book in the DI Gravel series by author John Nicholl.
In this book we know who the killer is from the beginning of the novel, Rebecca Smith, an IT expert for the police who was sexually mistreated as a child. At the age of 6, Rebecca was abused but there was not enough evidence to convict the rapist. These disturbing events naturally affected Rebecca and having failed to come to terms with the horrors she turns to seeking her own justice against as many paedophiles as possible. Unfortunately for Rebecca a severed head is found in a bag by the river and the police are now involved.
This is a dark book covering the disturbing subject of child abuse and focuses on the aftermath of the child and her family, when the legal system fails and the abuser escapes justice. This is what happened to Rebecca Smith and her life was changed forever.
DS Gareth Gravel, known as Grav was the officer in charge of the child abuse case and had to deliver the bad news to the Smith family that the case would not make it to court. Now seventeen years later there paths are destined to cross again with Grav hunting the killer and Rebecca seeking vengeance on any man who preys on innocent children.
I would like to thank Net Galley and Bloodhound Books for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
In this book we know who the killer is from the beginning of the novel, Rebecca Smith, an IT expert for the police who was sexually mistreated as a child. At the age of 6, Rebecca was abused but there was not enough evidence to convict the rapist. These disturbing events naturally affected Rebecca and having failed to come to terms with the horrors she turns to seeking her own justice against as many paedophiles as possible. Unfortunately for Rebecca a severed head is found in a bag by the river and the police are now involved.
This is a dark book covering the disturbing subject of child abuse and focuses on the aftermath of the child and her family, when the legal system fails and the abuser escapes justice. This is what happened to Rebecca Smith and her life was changed forever.
DS Gareth Gravel, known as Grav was the officer in charge of the child abuse case and had to deliver the bad news to the Smith family that the case would not make it to court. Now seventeen years later there paths are destined to cross again with Grav hunting the killer and Rebecca seeking vengeance on any man who preys on innocent children.
I would like to thank Net Galley and Bloodhound Books for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
December 13, 2017
This was a dark story on the subject of paedophilia, vengeance, and justice. It was the fourth book by John Nicholl that I have listened to. His writing has become more refined with each one. The story line here is just as sinister and disturbing as in his other books, which have all been gripping combinations of psychological thriller and police procedural.
Although the reader is aware from the outset who the killer is this doesn't diminish the suspense at all, and there are several surprises along the way. It was nice to have DI ‘Grav’ Gravell back. I really like him and his slightly unconventional and grumpy manner.
The audiobook was read by Jake Urry. He once again enhanced this story with his usual pitch-perfect performance. To me, this is a perfect narrator – author duo and although a large part of the story is from a female point of view, this really worked faultlessly. Jake’s female voices are completely believable and the proficient use of different accents makes the characters come to life in a very authentic manner. I will continue to listen to anything they produce.
The audiobook was provided for review by the narrator.
Although the reader is aware from the outset who the killer is this doesn't diminish the suspense at all, and there are several surprises along the way. It was nice to have DI ‘Grav’ Gravell back. I really like him and his slightly unconventional and grumpy manner.
The audiobook was read by Jake Urry. He once again enhanced this story with his usual pitch-perfect performance. To me, this is a perfect narrator – author duo and although a large part of the story is from a female point of view, this really worked faultlessly. Jake’s female voices are completely believable and the proficient use of different accents makes the characters come to life in a very authentic manner. I will continue to listen to anything they produce.
The audiobook was provided for review by the narrator.
March 20, 2018
I’ve wanted to read John Nicholl’s books for a while because I enjoy dark crime fiction and lots of my Goodreads friends have reviewed his work very highly. I started with A Mind to Kill because it was on my Kindle and from reading a few of the reviews for it beforehand.
A Mind to Kill is set in 1999 and features a character named Rebecca doing what is quite commonplace now thanks to social media and that is ensnaring paedophiles by posing as a child online. However unlike her modern day equivalents, Rebecca isn’t simply calling the police and handing over all of the evidence, instead she is torturing and murdering these paedophiles before disposing of their bodies. She does this because she was the victim of a paedophile back in 1982, and he got away with his crimes. I suppose my first issue stems from the fact that no explanation was given to why Rebecca suddenly turned into such a vicious and torturous killer other than that she was abused as a child. There’s no insight into Rebecca’s mind or information about her upbringing and teenage years following what happened to her as a child. There’s some explanation of why she kills rather than trapping these men and calling the police and that is because of her distrust of the prosecution system. That’s understandable but I wanted more exploration of her as a damaged character. It just didn’t sit right with me at all that she could be like this and it almost felt insulting to the victims of paedophilia if I’m honest.
The detectives looking into this case are DS Kesey and DI Gravel. I know this book was set in 1999 but Gravel was lifted straight out of the 1960s. What an infuriating character he was. Not likeable in the slightest and I couldn’t look past his flaws to see the fantastic detective that he was meant to be. His overuse of the word love in pretty much every single line of speech that he had soon went from patronising to hugely irritating very quickly and the book contains the word love no less than 130 times. We see him holidaying in Barbados with his son before coming back to Wales early because of this case and I’m not sure what the point of the holiday was in terms of what it added to the story. Perhaps it’s because I haven’t met him before but it was just wasted pages of him being obnoxious again just this time in another country. DS Kesey was the more likeable character of the two but there’s nothing special or outstanding about her. She’s just ‘there’ is the best way to describe her. The policing is lacking in this story and the investigative element was piss poor, as was the way things just fell into place for them near the end of the story.
A Mind to Kill is a brutal read in places, certainly in how Rebecca hunts down these men and traps them before torturing and murdering them. It’s a sickening read because these men are the worst form of human life and absolutely deserve what Rebecca is doing to them, but that lack of depth to Rebecca’s character just meant there were so many missed opportunities here which given the varied career John Nicholl has had is a huge disappointment. It’s almost like he just tried to write the most disgusting story he could and aimed for that shock value as opposed to offering further insight or explanation into why a character would go on to be like this. Also the story has little to no suspense because we know who the killer is, we know why she’s doing it and we can see that the police investigation is going nowhere. The ending of the story was completely unpredictable and rushed and again lacked depth. I went into this book with the highest of expectations however I couldn’t have finished it feeling more disappointed. Having had John Nicholl’s books on my TBR for a while, they will now be removed or placed right at the bottom of the pile. Don’t waste your time on this one, there’s plenty of better books out there.
A Mind to Kill is set in 1999 and features a character named Rebecca doing what is quite commonplace now thanks to social media and that is ensnaring paedophiles by posing as a child online. However unlike her modern day equivalents, Rebecca isn’t simply calling the police and handing over all of the evidence, instead she is torturing and murdering these paedophiles before disposing of their bodies. She does this because she was the victim of a paedophile back in 1982, and he got away with his crimes. I suppose my first issue stems from the fact that no explanation was given to why Rebecca suddenly turned into such a vicious and torturous killer other than that she was abused as a child. There’s no insight into Rebecca’s mind or information about her upbringing and teenage years following what happened to her as a child. There’s some explanation of why she kills rather than trapping these men and calling the police and that is because of her distrust of the prosecution system. That’s understandable but I wanted more exploration of her as a damaged character. It just didn’t sit right with me at all that she could be like this and it almost felt insulting to the victims of paedophilia if I’m honest.
The detectives looking into this case are DS Kesey and DI Gravel. I know this book was set in 1999 but Gravel was lifted straight out of the 1960s. What an infuriating character he was. Not likeable in the slightest and I couldn’t look past his flaws to see the fantastic detective that he was meant to be. His overuse of the word love in pretty much every single line of speech that he had soon went from patronising to hugely irritating very quickly and the book contains the word love no less than 130 times. We see him holidaying in Barbados with his son before coming back to Wales early because of this case and I’m not sure what the point of the holiday was in terms of what it added to the story. Perhaps it’s because I haven’t met him before but it was just wasted pages of him being obnoxious again just this time in another country. DS Kesey was the more likeable character of the two but there’s nothing special or outstanding about her. She’s just ‘there’ is the best way to describe her. The policing is lacking in this story and the investigative element was piss poor, as was the way things just fell into place for them near the end of the story.
A Mind to Kill is a brutal read in places, certainly in how Rebecca hunts down these men and traps them before torturing and murdering them. It’s a sickening read because these men are the worst form of human life and absolutely deserve what Rebecca is doing to them, but that lack of depth to Rebecca’s character just meant there were so many missed opportunities here which given the varied career John Nicholl has had is a huge disappointment. It’s almost like he just tried to write the most disgusting story he could and aimed for that shock value as opposed to offering further insight or explanation into why a character would go on to be like this. Also the story has little to no suspense because we know who the killer is, we know why she’s doing it and we can see that the police investigation is going nowhere. The ending of the story was completely unpredictable and rushed and again lacked depth. I went into this book with the highest of expectations however I couldn’t have finished it feeling more disappointed. Having had John Nicholl’s books on my TBR for a while, they will now be removed or placed right at the bottom of the pile. Don’t waste your time on this one, there’s plenty of better books out there.
December 19, 2019
I was offered this audio book to listen to and review.
I thought that the narrator was very good, just the right pitch and tone for a crime thriller.
I found the book to be more gruesome than psychological and was a little bit disappointed by it.
I felt that some of the chapters weren't necessary and wish the main characters had been developed more during that time.
I thought that the narrator was very good, just the right pitch and tone for a crime thriller.
I found the book to be more gruesome than psychological and was a little bit disappointed by it.
I felt that some of the chapters weren't necessary and wish the main characters had been developed more during that time.
October 25, 2017
3.5 Stars
Rebecca feels shes been let down by the establishment.
17 years later she wants revenge, revenge for the wrong doing to her.
Setting up a child profile online she lures the paedophiles to her den. To her it's about trapping and disposing of these vile men.
DI Gravel is still trying to come to terms with the lost of his partner, taking a well needed break from the force.
But its not long when he's called back after a human head is washed up on a beach.
A Mind To Kill had a slightly different feel to it than his others thrillers.
We know the killer this time.
Also at times I couldn't connect with Rebecca, she so needed help but I found her calculating and I started to lose my empathy for her towards the end. But this was still another good psychological crime thriller.
John Nicholl is an excellent writer and I always look forward to his next offering.
Complimentary Copy provided by John Nicholl in exchange for an honest review
Rebecca feels shes been let down by the establishment.
17 years later she wants revenge, revenge for the wrong doing to her.
Setting up a child profile online she lures the paedophiles to her den. To her it's about trapping and disposing of these vile men.
DI Gravel is still trying to come to terms with the lost of his partner, taking a well needed break from the force.
But its not long when he's called back after a human head is washed up on a beach.
A Mind To Kill had a slightly different feel to it than his others thrillers.
We know the killer this time.
Also at times I couldn't connect with Rebecca, she so needed help but I found her calculating and I started to lose my empathy for her towards the end. But this was still another good psychological crime thriller.
John Nicholl is an excellent writer and I always look forward to his next offering.
Complimentary Copy provided by John Nicholl in exchange for an honest review
July 25, 2018
This is another superb read by John Nicholl. I have devoured each of his books and loved them. I could not put A Mind to Kill down. It's a superb piece of writing that had me engrossed from start to finish.
When Rebecca's childhood abuser escapes justice it devastated her and her parents. No matter how her parents help her she can't move on from the past. She wants justice. Not just for her but for all abused kids. She uses her skills to catch and kill the abusers.
DS Gareth 'Grav' Gravel is called home from a much needed holiday to try and catch a killer when body parts are found. DS Laura Kesey finds herself working with Grav in finding the murderer.
Full praise to the author on a well written story. I love that the author writes this in such a way that I feel compassion towards the murderer.
If you like a gruesome and gory story then I
highly recommend this book to you. I'm looking forward to seeing what this author has up his sleeve for his next story.
When Rebecca's childhood abuser escapes justice it devastated her and her parents. No matter how her parents help her she can't move on from the past. She wants justice. Not just for her but for all abused kids. She uses her skills to catch and kill the abusers.
DS Gareth 'Grav' Gravel is called home from a much needed holiday to try and catch a killer when body parts are found. DS Laura Kesey finds herself working with Grav in finding the murderer.
Full praise to the author on a well written story. I love that the author writes this in such a way that I feel compassion towards the murderer.
If you like a gruesome and gory story then I
highly recommend this book to you. I'm looking forward to seeing what this author has up his sleeve for his next story.
August 5, 2017
All my reviews can be found at http://thebookreviewcafe.com
John Nicholl isn’t afraid to write stories that challenge and shock, he pushes the boundaries of what we expect, if anything A Mind To Kill is his most shocking and disturbing book yet. This book deals with a very tough subject child abuse, and for that reason I’m not sure this book will be to everyone’s taste, it’s definitely not one for the faint-hearted as they are some pretty detailed scenes that are grim and very violent. Rebecca’s childhood is left in shatters when her abuser escapes justice. Fast forward seventeen years and Rebecca wants her revenge what follows is a dark and very disturbing tale.
A Mind To Kill is a book about vengeance and getting revenge on the worse kind of people, that commit the most abhorrent crimes. It’s very clear from John Nicholl’s writing that he is extremely knowledgeable in both police matters and child abuse, so although A Mind To Kill makes for a grim read, it also unfortunately makes for a very credible one in parts. The author gives an ugly insight into the minds of the predators who carry out the most heinous crimes, as a reader you can only hope these men get “their just deserts”. At times I did feel the plot was a little to far fetched to be realistic, but it’s a fiction book at the end of the day.
There’s is a very dark psychological thriller there no doubt about that, but it’s also fraught with tension and the sense of evil radiating from the pages is palatable. A Mind To Kill shows that nothing is black and white, sometimes the lines between become blurred, what happens when the justice system fails the very people it’s there to protect? Is it ever acceptable for someone to take the law into their own hands to seek justice? these were questions I found myself thinking about as I read A Mind To Kill, it’s a controversial story that I’m sure will raise many a debate amongst it’s readers. This novel is definitely not going to be to everyone’s taste It’s shocking and makes for a disconcerting read, so would I recommend it? Yes but only to those with a strong disposition.
John Nicholl isn’t afraid to write stories that challenge and shock, he pushes the boundaries of what we expect, if anything A Mind To Kill is his most shocking and disturbing book yet. This book deals with a very tough subject child abuse, and for that reason I’m not sure this book will be to everyone’s taste, it’s definitely not one for the faint-hearted as they are some pretty detailed scenes that are grim and very violent. Rebecca’s childhood is left in shatters when her abuser escapes justice. Fast forward seventeen years and Rebecca wants her revenge what follows is a dark and very disturbing tale.
A Mind To Kill is a book about vengeance and getting revenge on the worse kind of people, that commit the most abhorrent crimes. It’s very clear from John Nicholl’s writing that he is extremely knowledgeable in both police matters and child abuse, so although A Mind To Kill makes for a grim read, it also unfortunately makes for a very credible one in parts. The author gives an ugly insight into the minds of the predators who carry out the most heinous crimes, as a reader you can only hope these men get “their just deserts”. At times I did feel the plot was a little to far fetched to be realistic, but it’s a fiction book at the end of the day.
There’s is a very dark psychological thriller there no doubt about that, but it’s also fraught with tension and the sense of evil radiating from the pages is palatable. A Mind To Kill shows that nothing is black and white, sometimes the lines between become blurred, what happens when the justice system fails the very people it’s there to protect? Is it ever acceptable for someone to take the law into their own hands to seek justice? these were questions I found myself thinking about as I read A Mind To Kill, it’s a controversial story that I’m sure will raise many a debate amongst it’s readers. This novel is definitely not going to be to everyone’s taste It’s shocking and makes for a disconcerting read, so would I recommend it? Yes but only to those with a strong disposition.
January 28, 2018
After reading Bully Boy Blue, John Nicholl became one my favourite authors, so when I found out that he had A Mind To Kill published I knew I just had to read it. A Mind To Kill is a dark psychological page turner thriller. I recommend it to all thriller fans. Rebecca was only six years old when she had been abused. It went on for months. The parents have been told that their precious little daughter's abuser refused to answer a single question, he was a clever one and knew that there was not any forensic evidence to have him charged. It made me angry at this character as he is free to get on with his life as he did nothing at all. But seventeen years later a very big horror is about to take place by Rebecca Smith.
July 17, 2018
This books is based on revenge. Rebecca was sexually abused aged six and her abuser avoided punishment. This sent Rebecca into a bloody rempage of revenge 17 years later. The hunters become the hunted.
I found this book not as easy flowing as John Nicoll's other books. I think the storyline of Grav being on holiday was a bit pointless. Still a good read.
I found this book not as easy flowing as John Nicoll's other books. I think the storyline of Grav being on holiday was a bit pointless. Still a good read.
July 20, 2017
To a child, they are monsters who bring pain, steal their innocence and shatter their cocoon of security. Rebecca was a victim of child abuse and molestation and the man who would haunt her nightmares the rest of her life dodged the justice he deserved. Rebecca is all grown up now and her mind still rages for the injustice she suffers.
Now someone has become an avenger and lulls the monsters into their web and a deadly bloodbath of pain, torture and finally death. Justice will be swerved to the abusers. The children will be avenged, but will this vigilante stop at the monsters or is the legal systems and its puppets also to blame?
DI Gareth Gravel is the quintessential hard-boiled cop. Gruff, a little crude, plowing through legalities like a bull in a china shop, he must find the common denominator for the grizzly murders and mutilations that are terrorizing the citizens. What Gravel uncovers will take him back to his days as a young officer and the little girl he failed, but in doing so, not only will he solve the case from hell, it may cost him his life.
John Nicholl’s A MIND TO KILL is a taut detective thriller built around an emotionally charged nightmare and one of society’s most reviled crimes. Follow the clues, witness the slow implosion of one killer’s mind as they seek their own brand of justice for all the innocents.
Gritty, dark and often gruesome, Mr. Nicholl holds no quarter against telling his tale with brute force and blunt prose. Brilliant, emotionally charged story telling that will leave readers on their edge of their seats until the very last page.
I receive an ARC edition from John Nicholl in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: August 5, 2017
Publisher: John Nicholl
Genre: Thriller
Print Length: 227 pages
Available: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Now someone has become an avenger and lulls the monsters into their web and a deadly bloodbath of pain, torture and finally death. Justice will be swerved to the abusers. The children will be avenged, but will this vigilante stop at the monsters or is the legal systems and its puppets also to blame?
DI Gareth Gravel is the quintessential hard-boiled cop. Gruff, a little crude, plowing through legalities like a bull in a china shop, he must find the common denominator for the grizzly murders and mutilations that are terrorizing the citizens. What Gravel uncovers will take him back to his days as a young officer and the little girl he failed, but in doing so, not only will he solve the case from hell, it may cost him his life.
John Nicholl’s A MIND TO KILL is a taut detective thriller built around an emotionally charged nightmare and one of society’s most reviled crimes. Follow the clues, witness the slow implosion of one killer’s mind as they seek their own brand of justice for all the innocents.
Gritty, dark and often gruesome, Mr. Nicholl holds no quarter against telling his tale with brute force and blunt prose. Brilliant, emotionally charged story telling that will leave readers on their edge of their seats until the very last page.
I receive an ARC edition from John Nicholl in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: August 5, 2017
Publisher: John Nicholl
Genre: Thriller
Print Length: 227 pages
Available: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
July 29, 2017
Rebecca was abused when she was a young child. The justice system failed her and her abuser was never punished. This set the stage for the rest of her life.
Today she is no longer a child. She poses as a young girl online and punishes the predatory sex offenders in the most horrific ways. She reels them in and dishes out her own brand of justice.
*COME INTO MY PARLOR SAID THE SPIDER TO THE FLY*
When a severed head and legs are found washed up onto a beach, an investigations begins. And when the legs appear to be from two separate men, it's imperative that law enforcement stop this killer.
Gareth Garver was the officer who informed Rebecca's parents all those years ago that there would be no charges for her abuser. He is still in law enforcement today .. older, fatter, a little less hair, but his sense of duty is still strong.
This is the fifth book by this author that I have read .. and each seems to be better than the last. Mr. Nicholl's background of being an ex-police officer and child protection social worker lends credibility to his stories. There are characters I love ... and some I love to hate. Only someone with his writing talent can bring these characters to life.
Even though the reader knows who the killer is from the beginning, there are several surprises and twists along the way. I was so surprised at the ending, I had to read it twice. The book certainly begs the answer to questions about right and wrong.
I wish to thank John Nicholl for providing me with a copy of his latest psychological thriller. It is with extreme pleasure that I offer my review and recommendation for A MIND TO KILL.
Today she is no longer a child. She poses as a young girl online and punishes the predatory sex offenders in the most horrific ways. She reels them in and dishes out her own brand of justice.
*COME INTO MY PARLOR SAID THE SPIDER TO THE FLY*
When a severed head and legs are found washed up onto a beach, an investigations begins. And when the legs appear to be from two separate men, it's imperative that law enforcement stop this killer.
Gareth Garver was the officer who informed Rebecca's parents all those years ago that there would be no charges for her abuser. He is still in law enforcement today .. older, fatter, a little less hair, but his sense of duty is still strong.
This is the fifth book by this author that I have read .. and each seems to be better than the last. Mr. Nicholl's background of being an ex-police officer and child protection social worker lends credibility to his stories. There are characters I love ... and some I love to hate. Only someone with his writing talent can bring these characters to life.
Even though the reader knows who the killer is from the beginning, there are several surprises and twists along the way. I was so surprised at the ending, I had to read it twice. The book certainly begs the answer to questions about right and wrong.
I wish to thank John Nicholl for providing me with a copy of his latest psychological thriller. It is with extreme pleasure that I offer my review and recommendation for A MIND TO KILL.
January 13, 2018
There are no secrets in this book. From the beginning you will know why the murders are taking place and by the second chapter who the murderer is but don’t think for a moment that the story is over. Rebecca was only six when a man who was in a position of trust took her innocence and walked away from his crimes without serving one day in prison. Seventeen years later Rebecca is on a mission to find him but in the mean time she is trying to keep other children safe and ease her own pain some way.
Cor blimey this is scary stuff, if the creeps on the internet aren’t making my skin crawl and giving me goose bumps, then Rebecca is with her new and weird decorating skills. Talk about the preparation being the key to any project, well I would give Rebecca a Blue Peter Badge any day of the week for her black bag and sticky tape skills! This is one organised intelligent and critically damaged young woman. Just one careless mistake would make life difficult before she had completed mission.
If you have read John Nicholl’s books before you already know you are in for a dark and deadly gruesome read. The murders that take place are very torturous and descriptive and leave you with a part of a poem floating round into your head for days. He knows how to play with your mind. Yes ok this is what any sane person would say they wanted to do to these men but any sane person wouldn’t.
You really don’t know who to cheer on, Rebecca or the police. Just loved that the young copper that dealt with the case when she was a child is still in the force. It makes for a cracking story line itself. A super stand alone read.
Cor blimey this is scary stuff, if the creeps on the internet aren’t making my skin crawl and giving me goose bumps, then Rebecca is with her new and weird decorating skills. Talk about the preparation being the key to any project, well I would give Rebecca a Blue Peter Badge any day of the week for her black bag and sticky tape skills! This is one organised intelligent and critically damaged young woman. Just one careless mistake would make life difficult before she had completed mission.
If you have read John Nicholl’s books before you already know you are in for a dark and deadly gruesome read. The murders that take place are very torturous and descriptive and leave you with a part of a poem floating round into your head for days. He knows how to play with your mind. Yes ok this is what any sane person would say they wanted to do to these men but any sane person wouldn’t.
You really don’t know who to cheer on, Rebecca or the police. Just loved that the young copper that dealt with the case when she was a child is still in the force. It makes for a cracking story line itself. A super stand alone read.
July 24, 2020
Review Coming Soon
July 22, 2017
This author is one of my favourites - I love his writing, how he writes unflinchingly and honestly about difficult subjects. I was eagerly awaiting his new book and it absolutely blew me away! I think this author gets better with every book, perfecting his craft. This book is perfection. I found it unputdownable. A brilliant, searing, page-turning story that takes you over so that you are thinking about it even when you are doing other things. A book that makes you angry; one that makes you think, question, hurt. I loved it and cannot wait for more from this incredibly talented author.
July 30, 2017
I have read all of this authors books and he certainly knows how to create a dark and disturbing read.
Due to the nature of the story, I am not going to lie, it does make for some uncomfortable and upsetting reading. I think if you are a fairly hardened crime/thriller reader though you will be fine. The author only ever gives enough so that you can feel the full horror of how these sexual predator monsters work.
Rebecca I was quite torn with how I felt about her. I had absolute empathy for what she had gone through as a child and could totally get how what that monster had done to her had changed her and her parents lives for ever. I even got why she would want revenge on these type of people and it is certainly the least they deserved, mentally though Rebecca is extremely damaged. She is literally existing and I couldn’t help being very worried about her as well as saddened with what she was doing. I didn’t like the way she treat her mother and how she held everyone accountable for what had happened. She is one very mixed up young lady and I just wanted to reach out to her and take her pain away.
DI Gareth Gravel or Grav for short I really liked. He is your stereo typical detective with demons that he is trying to overcome. He is a bit of a tyrant but one I think that his colleagues to a certain extent respect. Though very begrudgingly.
A Mind To Kill is a dark and disturbing read that isn’t for the faint hearted. It will certainly chill you to the bone with how these monsters prey on their young victims. Without a doubt though it is a page turner of a read that fans of this author will certainly devour.
My thanks to the author for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
Due to the nature of the story, I am not going to lie, it does make for some uncomfortable and upsetting reading. I think if you are a fairly hardened crime/thriller reader though you will be fine. The author only ever gives enough so that you can feel the full horror of how these sexual predator monsters work.
Rebecca I was quite torn with how I felt about her. I had absolute empathy for what she had gone through as a child and could totally get how what that monster had done to her had changed her and her parents lives for ever. I even got why she would want revenge on these type of people and it is certainly the least they deserved, mentally though Rebecca is extremely damaged. She is literally existing and I couldn’t help being very worried about her as well as saddened with what she was doing. I didn’t like the way she treat her mother and how she held everyone accountable for what had happened. She is one very mixed up young lady and I just wanted to reach out to her and take her pain away.
DI Gareth Gravel or Grav for short I really liked. He is your stereo typical detective with demons that he is trying to overcome. He is a bit of a tyrant but one I think that his colleagues to a certain extent respect. Though very begrudgingly.
A Mind To Kill is a dark and disturbing read that isn’t for the faint hearted. It will certainly chill you to the bone with how these monsters prey on their young victims. Without a doubt though it is a page turner of a read that fans of this author will certainly devour.
My thanks to the author for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
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