The Carmarthen Murders

DI Gravel #1

by John Nicholl

One missing girl. Five bodies. Time is running out.

When nineteen-year-old university student Emma goes missing, Detective Inspector Gareth Gravel is called in. But what is a simple missing person case soon turns into something much darker as Gravel’s inquiries lead him to the graves of five young women - each of whom looks just like Emma.

With a serial killer on the loose and his latest victim already in his control, can the police find Emma in time? Or will Emma have to save herself?

The Carmarthen Murders is the first book in the dark, edge-of-your-seat Carmarthen Crime thriller series set in the stunning West Wales countryside.

*Previously published as Portraits of the Dead*

Genres: Thriller, Crime, Mystery, Fiction, Suspense, Psychological Thriller, Audiobook

276 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 14, 2016

About the author

John 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.

Reviews

[BernLuvsBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

An intense & dark psychological thriller that will make you shudder.

Portraits of the Dead by John Nicholl starts off exceptionally creepy with 19 year old college student Emma Jones being abducted by a sadistic serial killer who awaited his perfect opportunity, hidden silent and unmoving in her wardrobe. I swear the scene was right out of my worst nightmares! What a way to hook you in!

Emma awakens naked, bruised and bloody, finding herself in a windowless room adorned with portraits of girls who look just like her and no way out. Emma finds herself at the mercy of her captor who thinks of her as his plaything. Unfortunately the "Master's" games are brutal, horrific and sadistic. I rather enjoyed the scenes between Emma and her depraved captor. Emma was described as an intelligent, hard-working girl and that was definitely apparent during her interactions with the Master. Although she was forced to degrade herself for his enjoyment time and time again, she was always thinking, trying to earn his trust to stay alive and ultimately find a way out.

DI Gareth Gravel and DS Clive Rankin are investigating Emma's disappearance and quickly begin to tie her case to the killing of five young women whose bodies are discovered scattered in the woods. Will they find Emma in time before she becomes number 6?

Honestly, I did figure out fairly quickly who the "Master" was and was ready to give the book 3 stars for various reasons. First, the relationship with the mother was twisted and creepy but I just didn't fully buy into it. Secondly, DS Clive Rankin - what the??? I can't say more without spoilers but that threw me and I was upset with how it ended.

So where did the 4 star rating come from? The ENDING! It totally changed my mind. It was not what I was expecting and it was such a GOOD surprise. I found myself cheering and feeling quite satisfied in that crazy "You Go Girl!" way.

[Deanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

My reviews can also be seen at: https://deesradreadsandreviews.wordpr...

This is the second book that I've read by John Nicholl. I really enjoyed his first novel, "White is the Coldest Colour". The subject matter was difficult to read about but I felt like it was an important book that helped reinforce how careful we should be about who we trust, especially when it comes to those who are interacting with our children. The author previously worked in law enforcement and as a social worker so some of the book was based on things he had experienced in his career.

I haven't yet read the second book in the series. But when I came across "Portraits of the Dead", I thought it sounded like another good read involving a different kind of predator.

The book opens in 1998 in West Wales. Nineteen year old, Emma Jones awakens to what she hopes is an illusion. But the man coming towards her is not a figment of her imagination but a real life monster. A sadistic murderer who has already killed at least 5 other women. When she wakes again, she's not sure where she is, but she's badly beaten and terrified. She searches the windowless room, trying to find a way out. On the walls are large black and white portraits of barely dressed girls....and they all look like her.

She notices a video camera in the corner of the room. It's aimed right at her. Just as she wonders who's watching her she's jarred by a loud voice that fills the room...

"Welcome to your new home, my lovely. I hope you find the accommodation satisfactory."

The voice tells her he will refer to her as Venus Six. When she tries to correct him, to tell him her real name, he plunges the room into darkness playing a loud tape of women screaming. When he finally stops the tape he tells her again that her name is Venus and that Emma no longer exists. He tells her that she will pay a heavy price if she does not obey his every command. Emma decides her best course of action is to obey him and hope that she can find a way to escape. But this monster has so much more in store for his Venus and he has no intention of letting her go.

At first Detective Inspector Gravel isn't all that concerned when Anne Jones comes to his office to report that her nineteen-year-old daughter, Emma is missing. DI Gravel assumes that her daughter is probably with friends, sleeping after a night of partying. Mrs. Jones tells him that Emma is very dependable and that she has missed the deadline for an important essay due that morning. She would never jeopardize her future by missing that deadline. Something must have happened to her.

DI Gravel assures her that he will look into what has happened her daughter. But how long can Emma survive this madman's torture and depravity. Will she be able to hang on long enough to be rescued or to escape? Or will her captor tire of her and dispose of her before she gets that chance?

This was a compelling and VERY intense read. I did have a bit of a hard time with some of the dark and disturbing descriptions, but I could not stop reading. I had to know what was going to happen to Emma. The characters were well developed, especially Emma and her captor. I also liked the fact that DI Gravel and DS Clive Rankin were back from the previous novels. The story was gripping and suspenseful, though I found some parts dragged on a bit. I realize we sometimes have to suspend disbelief when reading fiction, but there were a few things that just didn't sit right with me.

All of that said, I did enjoy this novel, and I REALLY liked how it wrapped up. Normally I'm not a fan of cliff-hangers but I have to say I especially liked the twist at the end ..... I honestly did not see that ending coming.

I am definitely looking forward to reading more from John Nicholl

[Chelsea Humphrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Find all my reviews on my blog: https://thesuspenseisthrillingme.com

Date Read: 09/05/16
Pub Date: 08/14/16

4 STARS

Emma didn’t know how long he hid, silent and unmoving, in the large Victorian wardrobe to the side of her single bed. She didn’t know how long he peered, salivating and drooling, between the two heavy dark oak doors, and watched, mesmerised, as she slowly drifted into fitful sleep. She didn’t know what time he pushed the doors open and crept towards her in the drab grey darkness of the night.

Detective Inspector Gravel finds himself floundering when a local nineteen-year-old university student is abducted and imprisoned by a sadistic serial killer, who has already tortured and killed at least five young women.

The greater the evil, the more deadly the game… How far would you go to save your life?

As a parent, I’m immensely glad I have many years before sending my daughters off to college. After reading this, I found an all-consuming terror that must fill the hearts of adults with mostly grown children, especially girls. I’ve decided to simply place a brick on each of their heads and keep them from growing up (that works right?!). Whatever the case, this book did a fine job of instilling the terror that it was meant to in this mama right here. If you are looking for a fast paced thriller that falls on the darker side of the spectrum, look no further.

The story is tense from the beginning, as we get a glimpse into the horror that Emma experiences once she wakes up to realize she’s been kidnapped and held hostage. We have no idea what is to come at this point, only that she is not this monster’s first victim and she is in for a whole heap of nightmares galore. The entire book is dark, disturbing, and heavy; clearly not for every reader, but if you enjoy this type of read it’s worthy of adding to your ever growing TBR list. Other reviews have touched on this, but you could also shelve this under “Police Procedural-Crime Fiction”, although its not heavy on this style. Personally, I would have enjoyed seeing a bit more from the detective’s side, but we do get a nice insight on the relationship between Emma and her captor.

The reason this was a 4 STAR for me was that I did figure out who the villain was before the “unveiling”, but I know a great number of people who were shocked by the twist and I think most people will be. The author did a fantastic job of setting up the reveal and clearly put in a great deal of effort to make his story a gripping and compulsive read. This is my first read by John Nicholl, but I am looking forward to checking out his two previous novels. Again, highly recommended for lovers of dark fiction with a fast pace. This was a fantastic read where I didn’t have to think or become too involved but was able to be fully entertained. I’m very excited to see what he puts out next and will be keeping my eyes peeled!

* I received my copy from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. Thank you John Nicholl!

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, Mr. Nicoll, for sending me an advanced copy of your book in exchange for an unbiased review.

Holy Cow, John Nicoll, you outdid yourself with this one—your best yet!! This is a goodie, folks.

This story starts out with a Creepy (yes, creepy with a capital C) prologue where a young woman (Emma) has been abducted by someone who has done this before. This someone is an absolute sicko. Mr. Nicoll, in my estimate, is the master of creating the most vile, most deranged f**k possible. We learn the identity of this baddie fairly early on, but that is not the point of the book. In prose way better than that seen in the average thriller we are privy to the thoughts of most of the major players, including the evil one, delivered in a sort of “need to know at this point” narrative. There are no alternating chapters and no time jumps back and forth from past to present, which is nice for a change. We get DCI Gareth “Grav” Gravel and DS Clive Rankin back from previous books to work the case; I really liked both of these guys. Grav is weary and old school, but still has some steam in his game. Clive is younger and is doing most of the brainwork and legwork. Taking the journey with Clive and Grav in their efforts to break the case, following along with Emma in her efforts to save herself, and the fascinating maneuvering of the maleficent one are what drive this tale.

The cherry on the top of this little winner is the last 12% of the story. My rating went from 4 stars to 4 ½ stars to 5 big stars over the 30 minutes it took me to read this terrific finale! All I could think was, “Wait! You can’t do that! Whaaaaaaat????? Are you kidding me?? This isn’t how thrillers go!” Get the picture?

This novel is very well written and perfectly paced. It is a fast read.

I highly recommend Portraits of the Dead, a most entertaining novel, to every thriller lover out there. From someone who always reads in order, I can say this one can truly be read as a stand-alone. As for you, Mr. Nicoll, I challenge you to beat this one. It won’t be easy.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

PORTRAITS OF THE DEAD by John Nicholl, is a serial killer thriller that will chill you to the bone. I would have to say that after reading his previous two novels, (“White Is The Coldest Colour”, his debut dark psychological thriller, and “When Evil Calls Your Name”) this novel in my opinion is his best! I was so fortunate to receive an ARC of Portraits Of The Dead from the author. He has written three books now…all different but each on dealing with different issues, drawing on his experience as a police officer and child protection social worker. The setting for the novel is in rural West Wales where he lives.

When she awoke from a brutal attack, nineteen year old Emma thought she had just had a bad nightmare…but she soon realized she wasn’t in familiar surroundings. No light, naked on a bed, confined to a small room-a “concrete box” and pain and blood around her mouth and nose. Where was she? What was going on? Should she SCREAM!

“There were no windows, not a single one, just four walls covered from floor to ceiling with garnish red-and-gold flock wallpaper, adorned with large black-and –white portraits of individual girls of about her age in various stages of undress, and a second door in the rear wall to the side of the bed, made of clear, polished and smear-free glass, through which she could see a white porcelain toilet.”

And then she saw a video camera in the corner of the room, pointing at her bed!

And then a voice…”Welcome to your new home, my lovely. I hope you find the accommodation satisfactory.” He would call her Venus 6 and she must respect him and refer to him as “master”.

DI Gareth Gravel and DS Clive Rankin are assigned to investigate Emma's disappearance, a local nineteen-year-old university student who was abducted and imprisoned by a sadistic serial killer, who has already tortured and killed five young women.

“We’ve got five bodies, all female, all of a similar height, all blonde, all minus their toes and fingers. The pathologist says it looks as if they were cut off whilst the girls were alive.”

Grav’s team must find this sick serial killer, by investigating every possible angle and motive.

This book is so well written, creepy and full of tension but not gory. I could not put this book down.
The about half way through the book there is a major reveal ... one I never saw coming. The ending was another major twist…a cliff hanger! Now I can’t wait for book four!

I encourage everyone to read all three of his books, and you will see that he is one talented author. I expect great things of John Nicholl and I can't wait to read his next novel. I will read anything by this author. He is that good!

[Dash fan · Rating 5 out of 5]

5☆ A Must Read! Got under My Skin!

Portraits of the Dead is a creepy, dark, sadistic psychological crime thriller. The Book Cover was enough to creep the hell out of me.

I'm a big fan of John Nicholls so when I was given the opportunity to read this one I jumped at the chance.

Right from the start I was hooked.
When a stranger comes out of your closet during the night and beats you up, abducts you, then watches your every move via cameras I was completely and utterly freaked out!

He refers to Emily as Venus Six.
She is his 6th young women he takes great pleasure in telling her by displaying their pictures round her sound proofed prison!
What has happened to the others?
He demands she calls him Master!
Who is this crazy sadistic torturer?
Why has he picked Emily?

Detective Inspector Gareth Gravel, or Grav is the DI investigating the cases. But can he find Emily before it's too late?

I was so drawn into this chilling, very dark thriller I was reading till the early hours desperate to know what would happen next.

John has this way of making you feel uncomfortable but you just can't help needing to keep reading.
Just by looking at the Cover I knew it was going to be dark and it was bloomin brilliant.

If you enjoy dark, sadistic serial killing psychological thrillers that literally get under your skin, then you definitely need to read Portraits of the Dead.

Thank you to Bloodhound books for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

My Review is also on my Blog Website:-

https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2018/0...

[Gary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was not aware of author John Nicholl prior to reading this book but was intrigued by the book description. To be honest I follow that many book series that the last thing I really wanted was to add another one. But after enjoying this opening novel to the DI Gravel series I have already read another and looking for more. I really enjoyed this book and I took to both the characters and the writing style of the author.
The lead character Detective Inspector Gravel is investigating the abduction and imprisonment of a local nineteen-year-old university student Emma Jones. She is taken by a sadistic serial killer, who has already tortured and killed at least five young women.
This is quite a dark subject and some might find it a little disturbing, but I found the book very well written and was left eager to read more books not only in this series but by the author himself. John Nicholl is an ex police officer, child protection social worker and lecturer and it is clear from his writing that he has experience and in-depth knowledge of his subject.
I am now aware of author John Nicholl and plan to read more of his books.
I would like to thank Net Galley and Bloodhound books for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

[Helga چـو ایـران نباشد تن من مـباد · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

We don't see the monster behind the mask.

19 year old Emma is kidnapped and held like a slave in an impenetrable room. Her captor calls her Venus and she has to call him master and do as he likes. She is at the mercy of a ruthless killer who is watching her every move.
The investigations intensify when the bodies of 5 missing women are found in the woods. Is Emma going to be the 6th victim or is she going to see the daylight once again?

I have mixed feelings about this book. It started with a bang, but then slowed down and I didn’t like the ending one bit! It was rushed and nothing was resolved.
The investigators were drinking, chatting and joking more than investigating.
There were so many irrelevant conversations between the characters.
The abrupt change of the points of views in consecutive paragraphs was confusing.
The identity of the killer was pointlessly revealed almost at the beginning. If the reader soon learns who the culprit is and the victim is securely imprisoned, with no chance of escape, then why use a mask?
There were so many reasons the investigators could have suspected the murderer, but for some reason they chose to ignore them.
The killer was shown to be very intelligent and thorough but was making blunder after blunder and acting recklessly throughout the book.
Who was the anonymous caller about the bodies?

Initially I was sure this is going to be a 5 star read. Then it became 4 and at the end I am sorry to say 3.5.

Thanks to John Nicholl, Bloodhound books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy.

[Brenda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Having read and enjoyed the author's two other books, I accepted his offer of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I did not enjoy this book. The writing in the beginning felt amateurish to me with too much irrelevant detail. I also felt that there was overuse of adjectives to describe things. I didn't connect with Emma at all. Her initial actions after waking up in the room weren't what I would have expected. I found myself skipping ahead and skimming, and I correctly guessed who the abductor was.

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Creepy. C-R-E-E-P-Y. John Nicholl’s newest novel,Portraits of the Dead, features a twisted psychopath who truly made me shudder. Written in much the same style as his psychological thriller, White Is the Coldest Colour, this book features a miscreant who preys upon pretty young blond women.

When Emma awakens in total darkness, she is aware of her nakedness. Bruises. A bed not her own. A blinding bright light pierces the blackness and a man’s voice addresses her, calling her “Venus.” Venus – the goddess of love, beauty, sex, victory, and desire. He says she is Venus Number Six. What does this predator want from her?

Portraits of the Dead is a cleverly and carefully crafted psychological thriller. I suppose it could also be considered a police procedural, although the detectives take a back seat to Emma and her captor. DI Gareth Gravel and DS Clive Rankin investigate, but really, it is Emma who steals the show. She shows why she is a stellar science student at the university with her rational thinking skills and calm demeanor. But can she outlast and outwit the masked man who demands to be called “Master”? Or will he be looking for Venus Number Seven?

As in his debut novel, Mr. Nicholl proves that he can create tension, as this book turned out to be incredibly hard to put down. The ending caught me totally off guard. I was STUNNED. I still haven’t decided if I liked the finale, but it is what it is, and I give him credit for writing it the way he did. You’ll have to read the book and make up your own mind.

I wish to thank Mr. John Nicholl for providing me with a copy of his book in exchange for my unbiased, honest review.

4 stars

[ReadAlongWithSue ★⋆. ࿐࿔catching up · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lo que me atrajo del primer libro de este autor cuando me puse en contacto con él a través de un grupo en Facebook fue primero la portada. Soy un fanático de una buena portada, especialmente la relacionada con lo que está dentro del libro.Luego, la propaganda, luego su experiencia en la vida real.Solo mira de cerca esta portada. Nunca ignore la portada de este autor. Cuenta una historia.Vi que White es el color más frío fue su libro debut. Tener un gran respeto por la presentación fue genial de ver. Somos humanos y 'comemos' con nuestros ojos, por lo tanto, tenía hambre de leerlo.A partir de entonces, ha continuado escribiendo el segundo libro de esa serie.Sin embargo, este libro es independiente, tiene una pequeña mención a uno de los personajes principales de su primer libro. Pero nada importante.En torno a la ciudad de Cardiff en Gales fue bueno. ¡Recuerdo haber conseguido mi primer ticket de estacionamiento allí! Me encanta Cardiff y sus alrededores.Retratos de muertos es un libro para el que debes reservar un tiempo. Una vez que comienzas a leerlo, estás enganchado. El autor tiene una forma muy profesional, ya que solo es reconocida por los mejores vendedores para tener la capacidad de mantener el hambre de un lector por más. Los mejores vendedores de crimen y crimen psicológico que usted puede conocer y amar leer tienen una 'firma' que es como una personalidad que brilla. Es como una antigüedad que reconoces que pertenece a un cierto tipo de creador y esto es algo que John Nicholls tiene. Su firma [o forma de escribir] aparece en su primer libro, y ahora aparece en este. Lo amo.Lo que amo en sus libros hasta ahora es la capacidad de llevar a una persona el funcionamiento interno de una mente malvada, una mente corrupta y distorsionada. Te hace preguntarte. Este tipo de perpetradores tienen una conciencia, pero es una conciencia que solo ellos pueden excusar. Quizás otros también puedan disculparlo. Quién sabe.Vemos esto dentro de los reinos de cada libro que este autor escribe.Esto lleva un tipo de tema diferente a una profundidad que usted, el lector encontrará fascinante.Ponerse en la piel de la víctima en este relatará cómo una persona puede ganar algo de fortaleza cuando se somete a coacción.Soy consciente de no dar demasiado, pero el autor ha escrito esto de tal manera que te sorprende. Una verdadera llamada de atención a un giro que es tan profundo. Lo inesperado es que sienta que su boca cae al suelo y que tiene que inclinarse hacia abajo y volver a levantarla.SIN AGUAFIESTASAhí se destacó un personaje que se menciona. Esto fue aparte de los dos principales y el Detective.Déjame saber cuándo lo has leído, a quién crees que me refiero.No hay montones y montones de personajes para confundirse y un lector tratando de mantenerse al día, no, no en los libros de este autor. La simplicidad que este autor hace de esta manera lo hace aún más importante en tu cabeza porque sientes los personajes, los conoces, te los imaginas dentro del ojo de tu mente. Adoptan formas humanas a medida que lees.Me siento honrado de leer para este autor. No soy un experto, solo soy un lector que ama una buena historia y no es difícil dar este libro. Le daría mucho más.Él ha escrito tres libros ahora y cada uno diferente pero con su 'sello' en él.Ciertamente puedo ver cómo se basa en su experiencia de vida y carrera que tuvo. Aunque todos sus libros son ficción, podrían ser ciertos.Este es un autor dentro de mi top 4 que espero ansioso de obtener su próximo libro de la prensa. Dejo todo y lo leo porque sé que voy a estar bien entretenido, voy a tener mi mente tan sólida en la historia que nada más importa hasta que esté terminada.También es un autor que puedo recordar dónde estaba cuando le pedí que leyera su primer libro.Recuerdo su primer libro, su segundo libro y ahora voy a recordar este. Definitivamente son libros que sobresalen de la multitud.Si aún no ha leído ninguno de los libros de John Nicholl, le recomiendo que lea este que saldrá pronto.Escuché que está escribiendo su cuarto libro, y por mi parte, no puedo esperar.Todo viene a los que esperan y la espera bien vale la pena.Mi agradecimiento al autor por mi copia, siempre seré su acosador cibernético [de una manera agradable]

[8stitches 9lives · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an outstanding read. I haven't read either of Nicholl's previous two books featuring down-to-earth, take no prisoners DI Gareth Gravel but plan to now as this was such a fabulous book. I hope the others prove to be as compelling - I have been assured by friends that they are! Also, a quick sentence about the cover art - wow, it's creepy and fits the synopsis perfectly.

From beginning to end 'Portraits of the Dead' held my interest and if you, like me, find disturbing, creepy and sadistic serial killer thrillers a joy to behold then give this one a go! I can't see how you could be disappointed. I found the pace to be impeccable te whole way through and there was plenty action too. DI Gravel is put on the case of an abducted girl and knowing that the killer has murdered five times before, he is in a race against the clock to save Emma from the same fate.

Nicholl's characterisation is great and you easily feel a connection to each character. There are also a few key twists including at the end which I didn't predict. Nicholl knows how to captivate you and pull you into the story from the first pages. His books are definitely not for the feint-hearted!

I have no hesitation in recommending this book especially for those who enjoy police procedurals and stories that centre around a serial killer. Impactful, deliciously dark and very sinister, this book is a winner and deserves the full five-stars.

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.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Returning with another psychological thriller, John Nicholl stuns readers with this novel, whose content and dramatic build-up offer something for everyone. Emma Jones is a quiet and down to earth university student whose assault and kidnapping goes off without a hitch for a masked intruder. In a haze, Emma can barely piece together the events that see her locked in a soundproof room, her captor relishing the power he has over her as she cowers in the corner. Forced to degrade herself and offer false platitudes to a man who demands complete respect, Emma can only hope that this nightmare will end before too long. She soon discovers that she is the sixth such captive, the other five having met their untimely demise at the hands of this sicko. Detective Inspector Gareth Gravel is asked to investigate Emma's disappearance when her parents refuse to believe she has simply gone off the grid. Skeptical but determined to follow his superiors, Gravel completes a preliminary investigation by interviewing some of those who knew Emma best. Calling upon Detective Sergeant Clive Rankin to assist, Gravel begins to unravel the last hours of Emma's life on the outside, though he cannot help but wonder if this is just teenage rebellion. When a body dump is discovered just outside of a Welsh town, Gravel and Rankin become convinced Emma's disappearance is more than a game; certainly not a simple kidnapping. All the women whose decomposing bodies are found have similar characteristics to Emma, though her body is not among those scattered in the woods. Gravel tasks Rankin to begin probing around, hoping that Emma can be saved before it is too late. Strategic canvassing leads Rankin to the home of an elderly woman who offers what she feels is a potentially useful lead, though her age and memory are a little spotty. Following up on this, their best lead, Rankin and Gravel work as the killer ups the ante and pushes Emma to her limits. As panic sets in, the authorities inch closer in their investigation though remain clueless as to the perpetrator. Weighing the advantages to keeping Emma with him against the need to destroy all evidence before he is found out, the killer must make a choice that could seal Emma's fate forever. Gravel and Rankin may have the backing of the Welsh authorities, but some killers can elude even the most determined detectives. Nicholl offers a captivating story whose action resonates long after the final sentence completes this chilling tale.

Having read and thoroughly enjoyed Nicholl's previous novels, I was not disappointed with his latest offering. Nicholl is able to use his characters not only to tell a story, but their individual characteristics help pull the reader deeper into the narrative and offer wonderful contrasts throughout. Set in Wales, the story takes on a much different setting than the rough and tumble streets of New York, Washington, London, or even Oslo. This setting and the attention to detail that Nicholl brings to the story offered a unique experience for me, which sets it apart from a number of the books in the genre I have read to date. Even though the killer's identity was revealed halfway through, this did not detract from the story, as the ultimate game of cat and mouse ensued. The reader might have tried pushing Gravel and Rankin in one direction or yelled as the omnipotent narrative offered all the clues to solve the case, but this only added to the complexity of the novel. When all is said and done, the final half dozen chapters pull the story into a whirlwind of action and emotion as Nicholl seeks to offer twists and turns that enrich the story's dark aspects. Brilliantly executed and throughly entertaining, Nicholl uses some of the key aspects of his previous two novels while building this standalone novel to capture a whole new collection of fans.

Kudos, Mr. Nicholl for tapping into the darkest sides of the psychological thriller genre while also pushing the limits in order to get your point across. This is sure to be a great success and should pave the way for more writing of a similar vein.

Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/

[Jan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I need to start this review by saying that I am a big fan of this author and thoroughly enjoyed reading his first 2 books White Is the Coldest Colour and When Evil Calls Your Name. There are also some really strong ratings for this book, so I am in the minority when I say that I just couldn't get into this one.

I had several issues with the book, but I am going to focus in on the main one that made me skip from the 50% mark to the last 15% of the book to finish. (I read in some reviews that the ending was strong)

My biggest issue falls with the writing style. I felt the writing was overly descriptive throughout. Whether describing a situation/scene, or giving insight to what the character is thinking before speaking out loud, it was all just too much.

Just to give an example:
Chapter 2, first sentence:
'Detective Inspector Gareth Gravel hung his well-worn but much-loved Harris Tweed jacket on the back of his newly acquired black leather office swivel chair, before slumping at his desk and staring at the seemingly inevitable mountain of paperwork that had appeared as if by magic since leaving his small and cluttered office just a few hours before.'

So much information in one sentence, and none of it really relevant to moving the story forward. I felt the same way throughout the first 50% that I read unfortunately.

I'm really in the minority on this one, so don't let this review stop you from checking out this author. I am still a fan, and highly recommend his earlier work!

My thanks to John for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Danielle (The Blonde Likes Books) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Emma wakes up alone in a room, with no idea how she got there. Shortly after waking up, a voice comes through an intercom to the room and tells her to do everything he says, or he’ll kill her sooner, like he’s killed others in the past.

DI Gravel is called in to work the case of Emma’s disappearance. Soon after the investigation, the bodies of 5 young women who each resemble Emma are unearthed. DI Gravel knows he needs to work relentlessly to catch this sadistic killer before he kills again.

Told through many POV’s including Emma’s, DI Gravel’s, and the killer’s, Portraits of the Dead is a quick thriller about a twisted serial killer and the life he’s constructed for himself.

I really liked the blurb for Portraits of the Dead and was excited to read it! The book was short, and I read it quickly and was engaged in the story from the very beginning. While I did like the plot, I struggled with the writing. The POV’s would switch back and forth in the middle of a chapter (or paragraph really) for no apparent reason. For example, if the DI was interviewing a suspect, the story was written in such a way that we could see both the DI’s thoughts as well as the suspects, which was really weird and definitely removed me from the story a lot. I think I would have enjoyed the story more if the POV stayed the same through each chapter, especially because the constant switching was really hard to follow. I often had to re-read pieces of the book to figure out which character’s inner monologue I was reading.

We find out who the killer is pretty early on, which I think worked well for this story, because the killer was someone who didn’t show up out of nowhere at the end of the book. Often when I read books where the killer is revealed early on, they are completely separate from the ongoing police investigation and have no interaction with the police until the end…this was not the case here, and without giving away too much, I’ll say that the killer was more involved in all aspects of the story, which definitely make the stakes higher as a reader – it was scary!

Lastly, I have mixed emotions about the end of the book. I felt like I can see why it ended the way it did, although if I were Emma, I would have made different choices. I also felt like the ending was rushed. It was seriously 2 pages, so I did expect a little more in that regard. Overall, I enjoyed the plot but struggled with the writing. I’ve heard great things about John Nicholl’s other books, so I’ll check those out to see how those are before making any decisions about the author as a whole. I rated this one 2.5 stars, rounded up to 3 for Goodreads.

[Ann Girdharry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is dark fiction – we live each day with the incarcerated victim, the perpetrator is twisted, sick and clever. The icing on the cake is that there’s an unexpected accomplice supporting the perpetrator and doing a chunk of the thinking for him – I really enjoyed that accomplice.

John Nicholl has a unique style. There’s immediacy in his writing and an informality. For instance, Emma’s internal dialogue takes you right into her mind. Another aspect that worked well for me was the banter and (darkish) humour between the DI Gravel and his long-time colleague, DS Rankin. Their exchanges made them very likeable.

The downside of Nicholl’s style is that he uses plenty of long-winded sentences that run on far too long, but that was a minor irritation. I have to say too, this story didn’t shed that positive a light on the police, since the advances in the case seemed to be ad-hoc and come by circumstance rather than great detection.

Some of the things the perpetrator made the victim do, turned my stomach, and since I’m a seasoned thriller reader (and writer), that’s saying something.

The ending was abrupt but it worked for me.

Maybe it sounds like I didn’t like this book, but I really did. This books works! It’s original and it’s got a punch.

(You can find an interview with the author, 'Five Things You Didn't Know about John Nicholl' over on my blog -http://anngirdharry.weebly.com/blog/2...)

I received a free copy of this book and this is my honest review.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars

Just imagine lying in bed and somebody came out of the your wardrobe.


Yes I know.....The first few pages had me hooked.

When student Emma goes missing, the police feel that it's just another teenager enjoying a bit of fun, staying out later than they should. But Emma's mother knows it's more, her daughter wouldn't do that.
Lucky for Emma, her mother knows people in high places so the police start to look into her disappearance.

My name’s DI Gravel; you’re not going to like me very much



With bodies starting to be found, DI Gravel and DS Rankin know that time is running out for this girl but clues and suspects are not very forth coming making the job of finding both Emma and the killer even harder.

My thoughts.....
From the first page I knew this was going to be my kind of thriller. Creepy, terrifying and out of the box, it kept me totally engrossed right till the end.



The plot was well written and one of the characters was really quite chilling.


The writing was authentic and although we find out quite early on who the killer is, the twists and turns made this story a nail biting first class thriller.


John Nicholl for me ..... your best book so far and in my favourite list for 2016





Complimentary Copy provided by Author in exchange for an honest review

[Linda Strong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma doesn't know where she is. Emma doesn't know who took her. Emma doesn't
know why she was chosen. Emma does know she's scared, she's in pain, and he's
never going to let her go ... at least not alive. He calls her Venus 6. He
orders her to call him Master. And he wonders .. is she the one?

DI Gareth Gravel and DS Clive Rankin are investigating Emma's disappearance.
At first glance, she looks like a 19-year-old college student, most likely
traipsing out yonder with a boyfriend. But Emma's mother is absolutely insistent
that her daughter would never do that.

Gravel practices due diligence and speaks to Emma's housemates and discovers
that she had had a stalker of sorts. An old bearded, gray-haired man had seemed
to be following her. Rankin takes on the university and her professors. No one
knows anything, no one has seen anything out of the norm.

But then 5 bodies are found in various stages of decomp. All are missing parts
of their bodies and when finally identified, they all resemble the missing Emma.

And so begins the hunt for one of the most sadistic, brutal, cold-blooded
killers I've had the pleasure of reading. The author's pen has brought this
human monster to life... a monster that we hope is only fiction.

This is an extremely well written psychological thriller. After reading this
author's first two books, I expected nothing else. The characters are drawn
with fine precision. The storyline is such that the reader cannot put the book
down until the very end.

About half way through the book is quite a twist ... one I certainly never saw
coming. The ending is quite intriguing, a cliff hanger of sorts. Normally I do
not care much for cliff hangers, but this one has whetted my appetite for the
follow-up book I pray is coming soon.


Many thanks to the author who provided a digital copy in exchange for an honest,
unbiased review.

[Philomena Callan Cheekypee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this is a standalone I highly recommend you read the previous two books by this author as they also are great reads.

Nineteen year old Emma's nightmare has come through when she finds herself naked and locked in a concrete room. How is she going to survive and escape from this psychopath. I like that we find out who the captor is early on as we can get into his head.

DI Gareth Gravel and DS Clive Rankin are the investigative officers. Will they succeed in outwitting the captor?

Great twists in this story had my head in a spin. As for the ending I can see why people may not like the way it ended but I loved it.

Fantastic well written story. I found the pace steady and I really didn't want to put the book down until I'd finished it. Like previous books by this author I will certainly be re-reading this book.
Can't wait to see what this author has up his sleeve for his next book. I highly recommend this book.

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it, what a great psychological thriller. Nineteen year old Emma wakes to find herself alone, naked, confined to a room with no lighting, not only is she terrified she is also afraid of the dark. Emma has no idea where she is or how she got there and is very confused as to her surroundings. Emma has been kidnapped and she is not the only one, five others have previously died at the hands of "The Mäster''. The master controls her completely and she relies on him for assistance with her daily activities such as eating and using the bathroom. This is a very creepy story, a fast read as it was hard to put it down, really enjoyed it and will look out for other books by John Nicholl.

[Pat · Rating 3 out of 5]

John Nicholl writes some wonderfully bleak books and this was no exception in this regard. A man is abducting women and keeping them captive in the hope that they are "the one". When they invariably disappoint him he kills them. His current project is Venus six. DI Gravel is on the case of a missing student that he is certain is the latest victim after a body dump with five bodies of similar women is found. Can they find her before she, too, is killed?

Look, its a page turner but I thought the plot was cliched and the villain (easily guessed) was overdone - almost a caricature of a baddie. And the mother, she really strained credulity. His earlier books were much better, more subtle.

[Kirsty ❤️ · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this book quite frustrating. It had an excellent premise but I didn't think it lived up to it. I was left wanting a whole lot more. I'm not sure why it's classed as a DI Gravel book as he was barely in it. The ending happened way too fast and the last chapter just made no sense to me at all. 

It didn't give me anything to connect with any of the characters. I would have liked more of Emma; how she was feeling, her thought process for escape, dealing with her injuries. It was sadly lacking. I really don;t like giving less than 3 stars for a book but sadly this one didn't hit many positive notes for me. 

Free arc from netgalley

[The Book Review Café · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book completely freaked me out and that was just from looking at the fantastic and very creepy cover! It’s the clown that did it, they absolutely terrify me! There is no doubt about it author John Nicholl certainly knows how to write a darkly disturbing and hair-raising tale, in my opinion this is john Nicholl’s best book yet. The author pulls the reader in with a shocking and sinister opening chapter, it was so intense I just knew I was in for a hell of a read. A young student is abducted and imprisoned by a sadistic serial killer, and my god he’s one deviant and twisted individual, devoid of empathy, incapable of sympathy or understanding he torments his victims in the cruellest possible ways. The author portrays the serial killer so well I felt I was looking into the darkest corners of the human mind. There is another shocking character who is just as evil and twisted, and shocked me to the core with their antics, but if you want to know more about them you will have to read the book (no spoilers here). The characters are well developed, and although not necessarily likeable they added depth to a very intriguing read.

Not only do we get to know the serial killer during Portraits Of The Dead, we also get to learn about the victim and her time as a captive, although the way she was treated at times made for an uncomfortable read, it wasn’t particularly graphic but chilling never the less. As the investigation intensifies and police appeals are made, we do get to see glimpses of the police side of the investigation, again there were some great characters who appeared very credible in their investigation to find Emma and bring a killer to justice.

Despite working out who the killer was half way through the book, this in no way spoilt the novel for me, in fact it heightened the tension as you weren’t entirely sure what the killer would do next. The plot moves along at a steady pace with some shocks along the way, some of which I never saw coming, so this certainly added to my enjoyment of Portraits Of The Dead Just as you thought the author could not possibly have any more shocks in store for the reader, he hits you with the biggest one of all! By the time I reached the end of the novel I was well and truly struck dumb, the author managed to tie up the plot in a very original way, which I loved (sorry that’s all your getting, no spoilers remember!)

I’m afraid there is no way to avoid the cliché: I could not put this novel down! Disturbing and compelling, an edge-of-the-seat story. I would certainly recommend this book to crime lovers and anyone else who is looking for a gripping and darkly disturbing read. In my opinion John Nicholl’s is a fresh innovative and powerful new voice in crime fiction, and I hope he get’s the recognition he deserves as a crime author.

[Joseph - Relax And Read Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

​Portraits of the Dead is without doubt John Nicholl's best and most chilling book to date. I was lucky enough to receive a very early review copy from the author.
​
Imagine yourself an insect trapped inside a sealed glass bottle with no chance of escaping. You know that your captor is watching your every movement from outside, licking his lips and planning the best way he can abuse and torture you for his maximum enjoyment... pretty terrifying no? This is what happens to Emma, a young student.

In the dead of night, Emma is beaten up and kidnapped from her students' lodging. Upon regaining consciousness she finds herself locked in a pitch-dark room with no windows. There she is held captive by a sadistic man, fed through a hatch in the door and spoken to through speakers. He observes her from an adjacent room, amusing himself at her suffering and nakedness, fantasising and fuelling his depravity, but that's not all... Who is this mysterious madman? What does he want? Why did he choose Emma?

For everyone else, Emma has vanished into thin air. Her distraught mother seeks the help of DI Gareth Gravel. Together with DS Clive Rankin, the police officers start the search for the missing girl. However they soon stumble upon a very grisly find. The bodies of five young girls, all with similar features to Emma's, are found buried in shallow graves. Is this the work of the same man that has kidnapped Emma? Are they too late? Has Emma been murdered and buried somewhere else? Will they ever find her? The police fear the worst...

The whole idea of this book - a sort of human zoo - is simply ingenious and blood-curdling. The story is very gripping and tense. We follow Emma inside the room, frightened, not knowing whether it's day or night, at the mercy of her captor and his sadistic fantasies, and on the outside we follow the police investigating her disappearance and the murders. I felt terrible for Emma, for being treated in such a horrible way. The book features a very disturbed individual with a warped mind and a sick hobby, but thankfully scenes are never too graphic.

Even though the same police officers appear in the author's previous books, this book can be read as a standalone as there are only vague mentions of a previous case​. All characters are well-developed and realistic (well, hopefully there aren't many individuals like the madman in real life). There is one character in particular that in my opinion steals the show from the main characters. I really enjoyed the scenes where this character appears and I think it's brilliant. You'll understand to whom I'm referring once you've read the book.

With a fabulous cover, a clever original plot, great characters, non-stop tension and a very satisfying ending, I really enjoyed reading this nail-biting suspenseful book.

With thanks to the author for an ARC of this fab book.

[Joanne Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a huge fan of White is the Coldest Colour which was the first book written by John Nicholl so I was very intrigued to hear that he had written a serial killer chiller and was keen to see how these new characters would make me feel as I absolutely hated the main character of the child psychologist in his previous books. And I'm pleased to say that once again there is a vile and nasty predator out to deceive the police and the public.

When Emma Jones is taken by her kidnapper, I really felt physically sick! The way in which he struck whilst she was unawares and asleep in her own Cardiff apartment was just full on creepy!!!! And I had been already traumatised by the clown mask on the front cover-what is it about clowns that makes us so scared!!?? When she wakes up she is still cover in blood from trying to fight him off but other than that she is naked. But what worries her more is the five portraits of girls on the wall, girls who look just like her. Her abductors obviously has a type but Emma thinks she may recognise his voice, has she met him before? And will her plan to be as submissive as possible save her?

I just loved the investigating team of DI Gravel and DS Rankin. They were down to earth and there were flashes of Welsh humour in their old fashioned policing procedures in the days before political correctness as they got stuck into the investigation. But will they be in time to save Emma from becoming portrait number six?

John Nicholl has created a very chilling killer here and he really did make my skin crawl! I did work out who was carrying out the murders but that didn't stop me being shocked by some of the twists and turns of the plot. And that ending!! I actually read this book in one whole sitting as I couldn't bear to put it down until I found out what was going on.

I would like to thank the author for sending me a review copy of his book in return for an unbiased review.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have come to expect severe psychological depravity when I read John Nicholl's books. This book did not disappoint in that aspect. The evil kidnapper has taken and killed at least five other women before he took Emma. Emma is held in a darkened area without knowing day from night, hours from days and days from weeks. He insisted on servitude from her while he tortured her and taunted her. It was chilling and sickeningly fascinating. John Nicholl has a history of working as a social worker and uses the terror he faced in that career in his own stories.

While Detective Inspector Gravel searched for Emma not knowing if she was alive or dead. Reaching out to the serial Killer while looking for few clues. With trusting people listening to vague and erroneous clues, the police struggle to find this serial killer.

This book is intense. It is just so cold and creepy. It is the perfect book for me to listen to on Halloween. Only now, how am I supposed to be able to go outside moving door to door in the dark with the kids trick or treating when there are psychos out there.
It is chilling listening to Jake Urry in his concise and gravelly voice. It takes the story to a new level when Mr. Urry narrates a thriller such as this. He does an amazing job with the voices of women, older adults, young women. His range is amazing. I am really impressed with the narration.

[Namita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emma a nineteen year old is kidnapped by a killer who has already killed 5 women . She is locked in a windowless room with a video camera following her each and every move . The sadistic murderer insists she call him “master” and follow his each and every command

Portraits of the dead is a dark creepy disturbing psychological thriller with an unexpected ending though I did feel it was a little rushed . The killer was revealed earlier on in the book which did not take away from the story . Overall I would rate it 4 stars and though my first book by this author this definitely would not be my last.

[Petra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Following White Is the Coldest Colour, this was the second book written by John Nicholl and narrated by Jake Urry that I have listened to. These two are a fantastic grouping of writer and narrator. John Nicholl has an amazing talent for creating the most disturbing and vile perpetrators in crime fiction, while Jake Urry has this uncanny ability to voice these creepy characters in a way that might leave you locking the doors, turning on the lights and checking all is safe.
Although a standalone novel, Portraits of the Dead sees the return of DCI Gareth Gravel and DS Clive Rankin who featured in White Is the Coldest Colour. They are working in Wales and this time they are investigating the disappearance of 19-year-old Emma, a pretty blonde university student.
Told from multiple perspectives including Emma's and her abductor's, who renames her "Venus Number Six", Mr. Nicholl's writing was more polished in this one. There were none of the little repetitions I complained about previously. Very dark, but not gory, this had me gripped right from the start and even though the identity of the perpetrator was clear from early on, the level of suspense remained high thanks to several shocking developments and a totally unexpected ending. I still can't decide what to make of that ending, but it was certainly surprising and ingenious.
My only minor niggle regarding the plot: there was one character whose actions I found difficult to believe and whose motivation wasn't explained sufficiently. To me, this person's history didn't fit together with their current persona. I don't want to add spoilers so I can't really give any more details.
Loved the narration. Jake Urry's intonation with the skillful use of the accents and his timely pacing were excellent. I wouldn't want to type-cast him but he really puts the evil into depraved characters like few others.
Highly recommended if you enjoy dark, terrifying thrillers.
Story 4.5 stars. Narration 5 stars.
I received a free copy of the audiobook.

[J. Kahele · Rating 4 out of 5]

A parent’s worst nightmare is to send their child off to school and to find out they are missing. I have read stories before of this nature, but never have the stories been so well detailed as this one was.

I was horrified and sitting at the edge of my seat as the author took us into the world of Emma, a young kidnapped college student who has been kidnapped by a psychotic killer. You could almost feel the terror this young girl felt emanating from the pages. It was a very good tale and the ending was quite shocking.

[Kat (Katlovesbooks) Dietrich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Portraits of the Dead by John Nicholl is the first in the DI Gareth Gravel Series.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Bloodhound Books, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Note that this book was originally published in August 2016.

Series Background:
DI Gareth Gravel (Grav) has been with the West Wales Police force for over 20 years. Grav has recently lost his wife Heather to cancer, and his some of his bad habits are resurfacing. He has a rather gruff manner, smokes cigars, loves his sugar, and has really good investigative skills. He figures he could probably be a DCI, but he doesn’t always play well with others, and politics are not his forte. His partner is DS Clive Rankin.

My Synopsis:
When a prominent member of society reports her daughter missing, Grav figures the 19-year old probably just took a break from university. He is sceptical, but as his superiors want him taking lead on this case, he will follow their orders. He asks Rankin to assist, and sends him out to gather some information. But when five bodies of other young girls, with remarkably similar appearances to Emma, turn up, Grav knows he has to work fast. There is a serial killer on the loose, and Emma is next on the list.

But everyone underestimates Emma. She is being held in a small, sound-proofed room, and trying to appease the sadistic killer who insists he be called Master, tries to feed her body parts, and drugs her when he wants access to the room…and to her. But Emma is determined to stay alive. She will say and do anything she has to while she tries to hatch a plan.

Not everyone is going to survive.

My Opinions:
I was pleasantly surprised with this book. I always am when I find an author that is new to me, with a series on the go, and the first book so appealing!

The characters are deep enough that you feel a connection, which makes their actions and emotions more captivating. You are drawn into the story very quickly, and hesitate to put it down in case you miss something. It had the right amount of creepiness and gore, without going over the top. Nicholl is a talented author, and this book was action-packed and fast-paced. A perfect mystery with a few twists. Loved it!

I will definitely be exploring other novels by this author.

For a more complete review of this book and others, please visit my blog:
http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/