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The Cellar
Dark, disturbing and gripping. This is not for the faint of heart.
Nurse. Protégé. Murderer. Marcus Gove has been all these things. He’s reached the pinnacle of his art and now it’s time for him to take a protégé. Lovely Lucy is perfect for the role, or she will be . . . Artist. Teacher. Daughter. Lucy Williams is just like everyone else. She’s had some success as an artist, not so much success in love, but she’s getting by. But soon she’s going to have to become something else if she wants to be a survivor. Detective. Ex-husband. Underdog. Ray Lewis’s career isn’t heading anywhere. But he’s a solid detective and he’s determined to find Lucy no matter what the upper brass throw at him. Three people. Nineteen days. Who will live and who will die?
Nurse. Protégé. Murderer. Marcus Gove has been all these things. He’s reached the pinnacle of his art and now it’s time for him to take a protégé. Lovely Lucy is perfect for the role, or she will be . . . Artist. Teacher. Daughter. Lucy Williams is just like everyone else. She’s had some success as an artist, not so much success in love, but she’s getting by. But soon she’s going to have to become something else if she wants to be a survivor. Detective. Ex-husband. Underdog. Ray Lewis’s career isn’t heading anywhere. But he’s a solid detective and he’s determined to find Lucy no matter what the upper brass throw at him. Three people. Nineteen days. Who will live and who will die?
270 pages, Paperback
Published November 7, 2022
463 people are currently reading
461 people want to read
About the author
John Nicholl
26 books2,021 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 129 reviews
September 14, 2023
4⭐
Genre ~ psychological thriller
Publication date ~ November 7, 2022
Page Count ~ 272
Audio length ~ 8 hours 26 minutes
Narrator ~ Jake Urry
POV ~ multiple 3rd
Featuring ~ serial killer, dark, violence, se*ual abuse, torture
Lucy wants to leave her abusive husband when she learns she's pregnant. She has a job opportunity from a man who wants her to paint a mural in his basement. Perfect, this will help her get some loot to leave him.
Nothing great goes on in Marcus Gove's basement though, since the reader already knows he's serial killer. It's as dark and disturbing as the blurb states.
We get other POV's from: Myra ~ Lucy's mom, Cerys ~ Lucy's sister & the detectives Laura Kesey & Raymond Lewis, which helped the story flow along at a fast pace. I could feel Myra and Cerys' pain when they didn't know where Lucy was.
This author is an ex-police officer and social worker, and worked for child protection services. I could tell this experience helped give a realistic portrayal to this book as we know these sick things really do happen in our world. Breaks my heart. I'll for sure read more of John's work.
I was able to listen to an audio copy as well.
Narration notes ~ he did a fine job. He didn't try too hard to alter his voice to a female and that was probably a good thing.
*Thanks to the author, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
Genre ~ psychological thriller
Publication date ~ November 7, 2022
Page Count ~ 272
Audio length ~ 8 hours 26 minutes
Narrator ~ Jake Urry
POV ~ multiple 3rd
Featuring ~ serial killer, dark, violence, se*ual abuse, torture
Lucy wants to leave her abusive husband when she learns she's pregnant. She has a job opportunity from a man who wants her to paint a mural in his basement. Perfect, this will help her get some loot to leave him.
Nothing great goes on in Marcus Gove's basement though, since the reader already knows he's serial killer. It's as dark and disturbing as the blurb states.
We get other POV's from: Myra ~ Lucy's mom, Cerys ~ Lucy's sister & the detectives Laura Kesey & Raymond Lewis, which helped the story flow along at a fast pace. I could feel Myra and Cerys' pain when they didn't know where Lucy was.
This author is an ex-police officer and social worker, and worked for child protection services. I could tell this experience helped give a realistic portrayal to this book as we know these sick things really do happen in our world. Breaks my heart. I'll for sure read more of John's work.
I was able to listen to an audio copy as well.
Narration notes ~ he did a fine job. He didn't try too hard to alter his voice to a female and that was probably a good thing.
*Thanks to the author, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
November 15, 2022
The Cellar by John Nicholl ~ Book Review ~ (5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)
"Three People. Nineteen days. Who will live and who will die?"
- John Nicholl
John Nicholls is my go-to author for scary books. The Cellar intricately plays on the readers fears to create an unforgettable novel. The story kept me glued to the pages until the very end. I must caution that it is not for the faint of heart. Told in alternating pov's, the characters feel real and create a sense of uneasiness that permeates deep within the psyche.
Synopsis:
Lucy Williams is a young up and coming artist. Although she has received recognition for her work, she struggles to pay her bills until she meets Marcus Gove. Marcus is a wealthy art connoisseur with unusual taste. He offers Lucy the chance of a lifetime as his protege. She is precisely what he is looking for....
Best-selling author John Nicholl is an ex-police officer who understands the psychological aspects of the criminal mind. His utterly gripping writing style is honest and gritty. The characters often represent the dark and emotional side of human behavior. This is my second book by the author and both are brilliant.
The Cellar by John Nicholl is available on November 7th.
(Book Tour November 7 - November 17th)
Thank you, John Nicholl, Boldwood Books, Rachel's Random Resources, NetGalley, and Books & Tonic for sharing this book with me. It is an honor to represent John Nicholl in the Boldwood Blog Tour.
#RachelsRandomResources #JohnNichollauthor #BoldwoodBooks #BooksandTonic #NetGalleyReviewer #NetGalley #Blogtour #TheCellar #bookishcommunity #instagrammers #instagrammers #newbookstagrammer #Bookstagramcommunity #readingcommunity #readercommunity #booksta #bookfriends #bookfriendsarethebestfriends #instabookstagram #bookwormproblems #bookworms #bookishplay #ınstagood
"Three People. Nineteen days. Who will live and who will die?"
- John Nicholl
John Nicholls is my go-to author for scary books. The Cellar intricately plays on the readers fears to create an unforgettable novel. The story kept me glued to the pages until the very end. I must caution that it is not for the faint of heart. Told in alternating pov's, the characters feel real and create a sense of uneasiness that permeates deep within the psyche.
Synopsis:
Lucy Williams is a young up and coming artist. Although she has received recognition for her work, she struggles to pay her bills until she meets Marcus Gove. Marcus is a wealthy art connoisseur with unusual taste. He offers Lucy the chance of a lifetime as his protege. She is precisely what he is looking for....
Best-selling author John Nicholl is an ex-police officer who understands the psychological aspects of the criminal mind. His utterly gripping writing style is honest and gritty. The characters often represent the dark and emotional side of human behavior. This is my second book by the author and both are brilliant.
The Cellar by John Nicholl is available on November 7th.
(Book Tour November 7 - November 17th)
Thank you, John Nicholl, Boldwood Books, Rachel's Random Resources, NetGalley, and Books & Tonic for sharing this book with me. It is an honor to represent John Nicholl in the Boldwood Blog Tour.
#RachelsRandomResources #JohnNichollauthor #BoldwoodBooks #BooksandTonic #NetGalleyReviewer #NetGalley #Blogtour #TheCellar #bookishcommunity #instagrammers #instagrammers #newbookstagrammer #Bookstagramcommunity #readingcommunity #readercommunity #booksta #bookfriends #bookfriendsarethebestfriends #instabookstagram #bookwormproblems #bookworms #bookishplay #ınstagood
October 5, 2022
First and foremost, a large thank you to John Nicholl for providing me with a copy of this novel, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
When approached by John Nicholl to read his latest novel, I was pleased and cleared my schedule. Nicholl is known for his succinct and yet terrifyingly realistic depictions of the depravity that the world can produce. With short chapters and a punchy plot, the story flows well and keeps the reader enthused until all is revealed.
Marcus Gove has had issues for many years, something that has been whispered about by those who spend time with him. However, he’s never been caught and keeps some of his deepest secrets to himself. He captures women and stores them in his cellar, particularly those who will not be missed. He enjoys sick forms of torture, dismembering his victims and ensuring their parts are found by others.
After Gove, who refers to himself as Moloch in public, tries to entice a young Lucy Williams to come paint him home, she is intrigued. The daughter of the local Member of Parliament, Williams is pleased to see her artistic talents are being noticed by those in West Wales. When Lucy is lured to Moloch’s home, she soon realises that she’s in way over her head. Being held captive, she will have to hope that someone notices she’s gone missing.
When Lucy’s father calls on the police to help with his disappearance, the West Wales force begin their investigation. Part of that includes calling DI Laura Kesey back from holiday. Working with the few clues at her disposal, DI Kesey begins learning a little more about this Moloch and how serious things could get for Lucy if she’d not found soon. It’s a race against time with a ruthless murderer hiding in the shadows. Nicholl does it again with an impactful novel sure to chill all readers.
John Nicholl is one author I can be sure will entertain me with his stories. Set in Wales, the novels offer that wonderful flavouring, while also tapping into some great storytelling of the darker side of society. Nicholl is back to present a piece about a sadistic killer who is on the hunt for more victims, with a police force ready to delve in and keep the peace. I enjoyed this one again and hope there are more to come soon.
Nicholl knows how to spin a tale, using a strong narrative base to provide the reader with something easy to follow, Adding a handful of strong characters who are able to flesh out the narrative foundation, Nicholl adds another element that keeps things moving. With a plot similar to some of his past pieces, Nicholl must try to make this piece stand out. He did so, while also using the traditional ‘police hunt’ tactic that many novels in the genre tend to prefer. While everything seemed to go really well, I was a little disappointed with what appeared to be a quick resolution. A swift act within the cellar and the police come rushing in, then the story ties itself up in a few more pages. I would have liked something a tad more suspenseful and developing in the climax.
Kudos, Mr. Nicholl, for another winner. I am always happy to see when one of your books lands in my inbox.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
When approached by John Nicholl to read his latest novel, I was pleased and cleared my schedule. Nicholl is known for his succinct and yet terrifyingly realistic depictions of the depravity that the world can produce. With short chapters and a punchy plot, the story flows well and keeps the reader enthused until all is revealed.
Marcus Gove has had issues for many years, something that has been whispered about by those who spend time with him. However, he’s never been caught and keeps some of his deepest secrets to himself. He captures women and stores them in his cellar, particularly those who will not be missed. He enjoys sick forms of torture, dismembering his victims and ensuring their parts are found by others.
After Gove, who refers to himself as Moloch in public, tries to entice a young Lucy Williams to come paint him home, she is intrigued. The daughter of the local Member of Parliament, Williams is pleased to see her artistic talents are being noticed by those in West Wales. When Lucy is lured to Moloch’s home, she soon realises that she’s in way over her head. Being held captive, she will have to hope that someone notices she’s gone missing.
When Lucy’s father calls on the police to help with his disappearance, the West Wales force begin their investigation. Part of that includes calling DI Laura Kesey back from holiday. Working with the few clues at her disposal, DI Kesey begins learning a little more about this Moloch and how serious things could get for Lucy if she’d not found soon. It’s a race against time with a ruthless murderer hiding in the shadows. Nicholl does it again with an impactful novel sure to chill all readers.
John Nicholl is one author I can be sure will entertain me with his stories. Set in Wales, the novels offer that wonderful flavouring, while also tapping into some great storytelling of the darker side of society. Nicholl is back to present a piece about a sadistic killer who is on the hunt for more victims, with a police force ready to delve in and keep the peace. I enjoyed this one again and hope there are more to come soon.
Nicholl knows how to spin a tale, using a strong narrative base to provide the reader with something easy to follow, Adding a handful of strong characters who are able to flesh out the narrative foundation, Nicholl adds another element that keeps things moving. With a plot similar to some of his past pieces, Nicholl must try to make this piece stand out. He did so, while also using the traditional ‘police hunt’ tactic that many novels in the genre tend to prefer. While everything seemed to go really well, I was a little disappointed with what appeared to be a quick resolution. A swift act within the cellar and the police come rushing in, then the story ties itself up in a few more pages. I would have liked something a tad more suspenseful and developing in the climax.
Kudos, Mr. Nicholl, for another winner. I am always happy to see when one of your books lands in my inbox.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
October 24, 2022
THE CELLAR is a dark, disturbing and gripping psychological thriller by international bestseller author, John Nicholl. This novel will chill you to the bone. After having read all his novels, which include The Dr. David Galbraith series, The DI Gravel Series and his standalone psychological thrillers… this novel is another winner! The author has written books, each dealing with different issues, drawing on his experience as a police officer and child protection social worker. This novel deals with the struggle over evil, and in this story a story of survival This novel is not for the faint of heart.
His Stand-alone Novels include:
The Girl in Red (2019)
The Girl in White (2019)
Mr Nice (2020)
The Sisters (2020)
aka The Sisterhood
Killing Evil (2021)
The Cellar (Nov 2022)
The Cop (Dec 2022)
The Student (Dec 2022)
This is my review of The Cellar.
Marcus Grove, a nurse. is under disciplinary process regarding his future employment working in a hospital for the criminally insane. Markus would be working with some dangerous patients, and there were serious doubts as far as his suitability for the position. Markus was alleged to have had a relationship with a patient, a paranoid schizophrenia, a predator who had killed seven women.
Grove had come from a dysfunctional family and abuse. His experience working in the hospital with dangerous killers allowed him to learn their skills and prepare for his future as an executioner.
Five years later, we see that Marcus had moved away and was on a killing spree for sexual gratification. He’d play a game to lure his victims in, but in a careful way.
Now when it was time for Marcus to take a protege… he chose Lucy Williams, a talented artist, a skilled painter and sculptor and the daughter of the local MP.
Marcus had lured Lucy away with a generous offering as his protégé on an artistic commission.
Now Lucy was at her psycho’s mercy and had to survive in hope of being rescued.
The Cellar is a dark story that will keep you glued to the pages until the very end. The characters are real and the author understands the psychological features of the criminal mind.
Many thanks to the author, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for my digital copy.
His Stand-alone Novels include:
The Girl in Red (2019)
The Girl in White (2019)
Mr Nice (2020)
The Sisters (2020)
aka The Sisterhood
Killing Evil (2021)
The Cellar (Nov 2022)
The Cop (Dec 2022)
The Student (Dec 2022)
This is my review of The Cellar.
Marcus Grove, a nurse. is under disciplinary process regarding his future employment working in a hospital for the criminally insane. Markus would be working with some dangerous patients, and there were serious doubts as far as his suitability for the position. Markus was alleged to have had a relationship with a patient, a paranoid schizophrenia, a predator who had killed seven women.
Grove had come from a dysfunctional family and abuse. His experience working in the hospital with dangerous killers allowed him to learn their skills and prepare for his future as an executioner.
Five years later, we see that Marcus had moved away and was on a killing spree for sexual gratification. He’d play a game to lure his victims in, but in a careful way.
Now when it was time for Marcus to take a protege… he chose Lucy Williams, a talented artist, a skilled painter and sculptor and the daughter of the local MP.
Marcus had lured Lucy away with a generous offering as his protégé on an artistic commission.
Now Lucy was at her psycho’s mercy and had to survive in hope of being rescued.
The Cellar is a dark story that will keep you glued to the pages until the very end. The characters are real and the author understands the psychological features of the criminal mind.
Many thanks to the author, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for my digital copy.
October 2, 2022
Firstly I would like to thank netgalley, and Boldwood books,and the author John Nicholl for an early copy of the book.
I've read a few of this authors books, which I have enjoyed. This book starts with Marcus Gove a killer,he disguised to catch his prey Lucy.who he keeps in a cellar with other victims.would give this book 3.5 rating rounded to four.as the detective wasnt in the forefront in this book.I wanted the chase to find him was a good storyline for me it was missing elements. This book is graphic details which I enjoy but other readers might not like..looking forward to reading more of his books...
I've read a few of this authors books, which I have enjoyed. This book starts with Marcus Gove a killer,he disguised to catch his prey Lucy.who he keeps in a cellar with other victims.would give this book 3.5 rating rounded to four.as the detective wasnt in the forefront in this book.I wanted the chase to find him was a good storyline for me it was missing elements. This book is graphic details which I enjoy but other readers might not like..looking forward to reading more of his books...
November 8, 2022
Nurse. Protege. Murderer: Marcus Grove has been all these things. He's reached the pinnacle of his art and now it's time to take a protege. Lovely Lucy is perfect for the role, or she will be.
Artist. Teacher. Daughter: Lucy Williams is just like everyone else. She's had some success as an artist, not so much success in love, but she's getting by. But soon she's going to have to become something else if she wants to be a survivor.
Detective. Ex-husband. Underdog: Roy Lewis's career isn't heading anywhere. But he's a solid detective and he's determined to find Lucy no matter what the upper brass throw at him.
Three people. Nineteen days. Who will live and who will die?
This can be quite a violent read so not everyone will like that. Marcus Gove is a despicable character. Lucy is lovely and determined to survive her situation. Detective Ray Lewis brings some much-needed humor to this dark read. The story is told from multiple points of view. The plotline is descriptively written. John Nicholl brings his knowledge of his former careers as a police officer and child protection social worker to the pages, thus making his books feel more realistic. John Nicholl has quickly become one of my favourite authors. I was holding my breath while sitting on the edge of my seat reading this book. You can feel the fear dripping from the pages. This is a page turning psychological thriller that I could not put down. I thought The Doctor was going to be my favourite book of the year, but this book tops that one. If I could, I would give this book even more stars. Definitely not for the faint hearted.
I would like to thank #Netgalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #JohnNicholl for my ARC of #TheCellar in exchange for an honest review.
Artist. Teacher. Daughter: Lucy Williams is just like everyone else. She's had some success as an artist, not so much success in love, but she's getting by. But soon she's going to have to become something else if she wants to be a survivor.
Detective. Ex-husband. Underdog: Roy Lewis's career isn't heading anywhere. But he's a solid detective and he's determined to find Lucy no matter what the upper brass throw at him.
Three people. Nineteen days. Who will live and who will die?
This can be quite a violent read so not everyone will like that. Marcus Gove is a despicable character. Lucy is lovely and determined to survive her situation. Detective Ray Lewis brings some much-needed humor to this dark read. The story is told from multiple points of view. The plotline is descriptively written. John Nicholl brings his knowledge of his former careers as a police officer and child protection social worker to the pages, thus making his books feel more realistic. John Nicholl has quickly become one of my favourite authors. I was holding my breath while sitting on the edge of my seat reading this book. You can feel the fear dripping from the pages. This is a page turning psychological thriller that I could not put down. I thought The Doctor was going to be my favourite book of the year, but this book tops that one. If I could, I would give this book even more stars. Definitely not for the faint hearted.
I would like to thank #Netgalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #JohnNicholl for my ARC of #TheCellar in exchange for an honest review.
October 15, 2022
Another psychological thriller by ex police officer and now author John Nicholls. I have read most of this authors books and quite often I feel that I have read it before, very similar plots with the identity of the killer already known. If this was one of the first John Nicholl novels I had read I would probably rate it higher but personally they feel a little repetitive. The books are certainly full of action and the writing can be very graphic at times and I fully understand how other readers will enjoy them.
Ex nurse Marcus Gove is a murderer who has decided that Lucy is going to be his next victim. Lucy Williams is an artist who is about to be reeled in by Gove and she will need to use all her powers of persuasion and ingenuity to survive.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Boldwood books for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Ex nurse Marcus Gove is a murderer who has decided that Lucy is going to be his next victim. Lucy Williams is an artist who is about to be reeled in by Gove and she will need to use all her powers of persuasion and ingenuity to survive.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Boldwood books for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
November 11, 2022
The Master of the Dark has done it again, another disturbing and heart stopping read from one of my favourite authors. I thought Mr Nice was bad and if you have read it you will understand. Now Gove after reading what he got up to, I need to have a bath in bleach!!!! Gove is deeply disturbed and has been working as a psychiatric nurse I in a hospital for the criminally insane and he has befriended one of the inmates who begins to greatly influence his future path in life. Gove starts kidnapping and killing women but he has very clever. He thinks that he is invincible and gives himself god status that is until he meets the lovely Lucy. Definitely not for the squeamish but everything I expect from this author. Loved, loved it!!!!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
February 16, 2023
Meh. Considering all the five-star reviews for The Cellar, I clearly read a whole other book than many others. Although the premise was music to my ears, the execution and writing style just didn't work for me and in terms of characterisation, I found I didn't actually care one iota about the good guys while finding the bad guy very unrealistic. I'm kinda regretting not DNF'ing this one cos it only got worse as the story progressed.
November 8, 2022
"Three People. Nineteen days. Who will live and who will die?"
Holy guacamole! What have I just read? I thought "The Doctor" (by the same author) was disturbing, but this one...hell, this one takes the cake! It has to be the darkest and most disturbing thriller I've read. So disturbing it's chilling. And yet, I enjoyed every minute of it. John Nicholl has a unique way of writing, bringing his own experiences as a police officer and child protection worker to life through fiction. He has the canny ability of climbing inside a villain's mind to bring us each dark and disturbing detail to life. I only discovered him a few short months ago with "The Doctor" and then the subsequent follow-up books but he has fast become one of my favourite authors. I just know I am going to be in for one hell of a ride and an addictive read whenever I pick up one of his books.
The title THE CELLAR immediately conjures up images we can only imagine...but get ready for a thriller that will blow your mind! If you thought the Doctor was deranged...then meet Marcus Gove.
A former nurse at a high-security psychiatric unit for the criminally insane, Marcus Gove worked with some of the most depraved minds the prison system had no place for. As a protege to one of the patients interred there, Marcus Gove had found his niche. And then as luck would have it, he won the lottery. So he packed in his job, moved to the beautiful West Wales where he bought a secluded Georgian mansion and kitted out with all the tools of his new trade where he could act out his depraved fantasies. His new workplace - the cellar.
Over time, Marcus abducted women from the streets - nameless, faceless women whom no one would miss - and brought them here to the cellar where he shackled them, tortured them and then murdered them with each new fantasy.
And then he saw lovely Lucy.
Talented artist and art lecturer, Lucy Williams is the daughter of local MP Graham Williams. She has just ended a long relationship with partner Andy and her mother is battling cancer. She has also caught the eye of Marcus Gove. So when Lucy receives a letter offering her an opportunity of a lifetime...one that she is eager to accept as it will help build a name for herself. However her mother and sister believe this offer is fraught with too many unknowns and is ultimately too good to be true. Despite this, Lucy meets with the mysterious Moloch to discuss the planned commission.
Having reached the pinnacle of his own art, Marcus feels it is now time to take a protege just as he learned under his own mentor five years before. Lucy is perfect for the role he has in mind...she is destined to be his soulmate. But first, he must reign her in and educate her in her new way of life...working alongside him...as they explore their art together. Now at this psycho’s mercy, Lucy can only hope that she will survive her tormentor before he kills her too.
Thus begins a race against time for the police as they try to discover what exactly happened to Lucy and why she suddenly disappeared. Will they arrive in time to save her? Or will she remain missing forever, like Gove's previous victims?
I honestly have no words to describe this book...except that it is dark, disturbing and incredibly chilling. As I said at the start, I thought "The Doctor" was all that...but this is so much more!
It is, at times, hard to read and it is most definitely NOT for the faint-hearted. You will definitely need a strong stomach for this one. But there is one scene at the end that even I found cringeworthy...not in a bad way, but in an uncomfortable-because-I-can-just-picture-it kind of way. Because seriously, Nicholl pulls no punches in his descriptions and you are literally transported to that cellar and are living the nightmare alongside Lucy, as well as Gove's other victims. It is graphic, but not gory, though it is enough to give you a picture of what is exactly happening. And here I am reading it before bed!
It goes without saying that John Nicholl is now one of my favourite authors. I love how he tells the story from the villain's POV, as well as the victim's, so you can get an insight into their way of thinking, no matter how distorted, deluded or disturbed it may be. And Gove is clearly off his rocker! But boy, does Nicholl portray him well.
Overall, THE CELLAR is a fast paced addictive read that is compelling and page-turning throughout. And once you are in the cellar, there is no getting out...at least, not until it's finished!
Another 5 star read by John Nicholl!
I would like to thank #JohnNicholl, #Netgalley, #BoldwoodBooks and #RachelsRandomResources for an ARC of #TheCellar in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
Holy guacamole! What have I just read? I thought "The Doctor" (by the same author) was disturbing, but this one...hell, this one takes the cake! It has to be the darkest and most disturbing thriller I've read. So disturbing it's chilling. And yet, I enjoyed every minute of it. John Nicholl has a unique way of writing, bringing his own experiences as a police officer and child protection worker to life through fiction. He has the canny ability of climbing inside a villain's mind to bring us each dark and disturbing detail to life. I only discovered him a few short months ago with "The Doctor" and then the subsequent follow-up books but he has fast become one of my favourite authors. I just know I am going to be in for one hell of a ride and an addictive read whenever I pick up one of his books.
The title THE CELLAR immediately conjures up images we can only imagine...but get ready for a thriller that will blow your mind! If you thought the Doctor was deranged...then meet Marcus Gove.
A former nurse at a high-security psychiatric unit for the criminally insane, Marcus Gove worked with some of the most depraved minds the prison system had no place for. As a protege to one of the patients interred there, Marcus Gove had found his niche. And then as luck would have it, he won the lottery. So he packed in his job, moved to the beautiful West Wales where he bought a secluded Georgian mansion and kitted out with all the tools of his new trade where he could act out his depraved fantasies. His new workplace - the cellar.
Over time, Marcus abducted women from the streets - nameless, faceless women whom no one would miss - and brought them here to the cellar where he shackled them, tortured them and then murdered them with each new fantasy.
And then he saw lovely Lucy.
Talented artist and art lecturer, Lucy Williams is the daughter of local MP Graham Williams. She has just ended a long relationship with partner Andy and her mother is battling cancer. She has also caught the eye of Marcus Gove. So when Lucy receives a letter offering her an opportunity of a lifetime...one that she is eager to accept as it will help build a name for herself. However her mother and sister believe this offer is fraught with too many unknowns and is ultimately too good to be true. Despite this, Lucy meets with the mysterious Moloch to discuss the planned commission.
Having reached the pinnacle of his own art, Marcus feels it is now time to take a protege just as he learned under his own mentor five years before. Lucy is perfect for the role he has in mind...she is destined to be his soulmate. But first, he must reign her in and educate her in her new way of life...working alongside him...as they explore their art together. Now at this psycho’s mercy, Lucy can only hope that she will survive her tormentor before he kills her too.
Thus begins a race against time for the police as they try to discover what exactly happened to Lucy and why she suddenly disappeared. Will they arrive in time to save her? Or will she remain missing forever, like Gove's previous victims?
I honestly have no words to describe this book...except that it is dark, disturbing and incredibly chilling. As I said at the start, I thought "The Doctor" was all that...but this is so much more!
It is, at times, hard to read and it is most definitely NOT for the faint-hearted. You will definitely need a strong stomach for this one. But there is one scene at the end that even I found cringeworthy...not in a bad way, but in an uncomfortable-because-I-can-just-picture-it kind of way. Because seriously, Nicholl pulls no punches in his descriptions and you are literally transported to that cellar and are living the nightmare alongside Lucy, as well as Gove's other victims. It is graphic, but not gory, though it is enough to give you a picture of what is exactly happening. And here I am reading it before bed!
It goes without saying that John Nicholl is now one of my favourite authors. I love how he tells the story from the villain's POV, as well as the victim's, so you can get an insight into their way of thinking, no matter how distorted, deluded or disturbed it may be. And Gove is clearly off his rocker! But boy, does Nicholl portray him well.
Overall, THE CELLAR is a fast paced addictive read that is compelling and page-turning throughout. And once you are in the cellar, there is no getting out...at least, not until it's finished!
Another 5 star read by John Nicholl!
I would like to thank #JohnNicholl, #Netgalley, #BoldwoodBooks and #RachelsRandomResources for an ARC of #TheCellar in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
November 3, 2022
The darkest and most disturbing thriller I think I’ve ever read, and I loved every single moment of it! I’ve read many books by John Nicholl and I just live his style of writing. I love the fact that he brings his past experiences as a police officer and as a child protection social worker making his books feel so much more realistic. John Nicholl is fast becoming a favourite author of mine as I know I’m always in for a good read when I see his name on the front of a book.
Marcus Gove is a nurse who won the lottery, quit his job and followed his fantasies where he abducted women off the street, tortured them and then murdered them in the most brutal of ways.
Give has his eye on Lucy Willis, the daughter of a local MP and an art lecturer. He is fascinated by her work and uses this to his advantage to lure her into his trap. Marcus offers Lucy a lot of money to come and work for him decorating his cellar with her art work, the only catch is she has to drop everything and go with him right away.
Lucy’s mum and sister believe this is to good to be true and Lucy declines his offer at first saying she has commitments but Gove has other ideas, he is desperate to capture Lucy and have her all to himself . He hopes that she will become his soul mate and will share his experiences with her, but Lucy soon learns that no matter how hard she tries she will never be good enough for Gove., and soon she falls victim to his methods of torture.
With the police hunting for Lucy will they arrive in time to save her or will she remain missing for ever like Goves last victims.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an open and honest review. I can honestly say I enjoyed every word of this book and the ending was just the icing on the cake. A great read and probably my book of the year!
Marcus Gove is a nurse who won the lottery, quit his job and followed his fantasies where he abducted women off the street, tortured them and then murdered them in the most brutal of ways.
Give has his eye on Lucy Willis, the daughter of a local MP and an art lecturer. He is fascinated by her work and uses this to his advantage to lure her into his trap. Marcus offers Lucy a lot of money to come and work for him decorating his cellar with her art work, the only catch is she has to drop everything and go with him right away.
Lucy’s mum and sister believe this is to good to be true and Lucy declines his offer at first saying she has commitments but Gove has other ideas, he is desperate to capture Lucy and have her all to himself . He hopes that she will become his soul mate and will share his experiences with her, but Lucy soon learns that no matter how hard she tries she will never be good enough for Gove., and soon she falls victim to his methods of torture.
With the police hunting for Lucy will they arrive in time to save her or will she remain missing for ever like Goves last victims.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an open and honest review. I can honestly say I enjoyed every word of this book and the ending was just the icing on the cake. A great read and probably my book of the year!
November 4, 2022
Well this was definitely dark and some pages were really hard to read especially towards the ending. This is my first book by thus author but won't be the last . It just meant that I missed some of the back story.
I was given an advance copy by netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely my own.
I was given an advance copy by netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely my own.
October 5, 2022
Nurse. Protégé. Murderer.
Marcus Gove has been all these things. He’s reached the pinnacle of his art and now it’s time for him to take a protege. Lovely Lucy is perfect for the role, or she will be . . .
Artist. Teacher. Daughter.
Lucy Williams is just like everyone else. She’s had some success as an artist, not so much success in love, but she’s getting by. But soon she’s going to have to become something else if she wants to be a survivor.
Detective. Ex-husband. Underdog.
Ray Lewis’s career isn’t heading anywhere. But he’s a solid detective and he’s determined to find Lucy no matter what the upper brass throw at him.
Three people. Nineteen days. Who will live and who will die?
Wow another great book from John Nicholl absolutely brilliant couldn’t put it down totally recommend
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books
I just reviewed The Cellar by John Nicholl. #TheCellar #NetGalley
Marcus Gove has been all these things. He’s reached the pinnacle of his art and now it’s time for him to take a protege. Lovely Lucy is perfect for the role, or she will be . . .
Artist. Teacher. Daughter.
Lucy Williams is just like everyone else. She’s had some success as an artist, not so much success in love, but she’s getting by. But soon she’s going to have to become something else if she wants to be a survivor.
Detective. Ex-husband. Underdog.
Ray Lewis’s career isn’t heading anywhere. But he’s a solid detective and he’s determined to find Lucy no matter what the upper brass throw at him.
Three people. Nineteen days. Who will live and who will die?
Wow another great book from John Nicholl absolutely brilliant couldn’t put it down totally recommend
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books
I just reviewed The Cellar by John Nicholl. #TheCellar #NetGalley
October 31, 2022
3.5 stars
This is a good psychological thriller.
Lucy is sent a mysterious letter asking her to meet to discuss some art work. Lucy is intrigued despite the warnings from her Mum and sister.
She meets Moloch and tells him she can’t start the work for another week or so and then waits to hear from him.
Little does she know that it’s his plan to have her in his cellar whether she comes willingly or not.
The kidnapper is a very sick and twisted man and at times it’s uncomfortable reading.
A good thriller.
Thanks to Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read this book.
This is a good psychological thriller.
Lucy is sent a mysterious letter asking her to meet to discuss some art work. Lucy is intrigued despite the warnings from her Mum and sister.
She meets Moloch and tells him she can’t start the work for another week or so and then waits to hear from him.
Little does she know that it’s his plan to have her in his cellar whether she comes willingly or not.
The kidnapper is a very sick and twisted man and at times it’s uncomfortable reading.
A good thriller.
Thanks to Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read this book.
November 5, 2022
would like to thank netgalley and the publishers for letting me read this gruesome book
oh my goodness me this is a hard book to read with the depravities and the horror that this man inflicted on his victims...he shows no mercy, he is their god...and they must worship him
when gove sees lucy he knows she is the one... and he has to have her
but lucy is different from his other victims for one...lucy is in his home town and is high profile where as the others were bottom of the pile and not missed
a strong stomach is needed whilst reading this one.. its hard to read at times...
oh my goodness me this is a hard book to read with the depravities and the horror that this man inflicted on his victims...he shows no mercy, he is their god...and they must worship him
when gove sees lucy he knows she is the one... and he has to have her
but lucy is different from his other victims for one...lucy is in his home town and is high profile where as the others were bottom of the pile and not missed
a strong stomach is needed whilst reading this one.. its hard to read at times...
November 2, 2022
I liked the first book I read by John Nicholl so I requested this book. The first line on the blurb says "Dark, disturbing and gripping. This is not for the faint of heart." and I'm sold.
I understood what the author wants the reader to feel. It has to have some shocking factor. However; I felt he was just trying too hard - the unnecessary words and actions, similes that miss the mark, flowery language with no purpose, and humor that lacks the wit. I can go on but you get the gist. I'm a big fan of Gory, and Dark Thrillers, but this one just felt flat to me.
I still enjoyed reading it though. Hence, the 3 stars.
Thanks, NetGalley and the Publisher for the ARC of this book.
TBP on 7th Nov.
I understood what the author wants the reader to feel. It has to have some shocking factor. However; I felt he was just trying too hard - the unnecessary words and actions, similes that miss the mark, flowery language with no purpose, and humor that lacks the wit. I can go on but you get the gist. I'm a big fan of Gory, and Dark Thrillers, but this one just felt flat to me.
I still enjoyed reading it though. Hence, the 3 stars.
Thanks, NetGalley and the Publisher for the ARC of this book.
TBP on 7th Nov.
October 19, 2022
Wow. If you're looking for a dark and disturbing book, this is the one for you. The main character is unbelievably evil, a psychopath beyond belief. I couldn't turn the pages quickly enough to find out what the hell he was going to do next. A brilliant story and a must read in my opinion.
January 19, 2023
REVIEW
Review for 'The Cellar' by John Nicholl.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for John Nicholl and Boldwood Books
Publication date 7th November 2022
This is the seventh book I have read by this author. I have previously read 'Killing Evil' and 'The Doctor' (First book in the 'Dr David Galbraith' series) and 'The Wife' (Second book in the Dr Galbrailth series), 'The Father' (Third book in the Dr Galbraith series), 'The Carmarthen Murders' (First book in the 'Carmarthen Crime' series) and 'The Tywi Estuary Killings' (Second book in the 'Carmarthen Crime' series) which I would also highly recommend.
I was originally drawn to this book by its unique eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. I loved John's other books called 'Killing Evil' and 'The Doctor' (which is the first book in the Dr Galbraith series), 'The Wife' (which is the second book in the Dr Galbraith series), 'The Father (which is the third book in the Dr Galbraith series), The Carmarthen Murders' (the first book in the 'Carmarthen Crime' series) and 'The Tywi Estuary Killings' (the second book in the 'Carmarthen Crime' series) and if this is half as good as they are it's bound to be a page turner. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Boldwood Books. I have yet to read a book published by Boldwood Books that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 40 chapters and an epilogue. The chapters are short to medium in length so easy to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in Carmarthen and Brechfa, Wales 🏴 , UK 🇬🇧 and Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain 🇪🇸. The bonus for me of books that are partly or fully based in the UK is that I live in the UK and have sometimes visited places mentioned in the book which makes it easier to picture. The fact that I live in Wales and only live a few miles from Carmarthen is amazing as I'm hoping to recognise a few local places.
This book is written in third person perspective and the main protagonists are Marcus Grove, Lucy Williams, DS Laura Kesey and Detective Ray Lewis. The benefits of third person perspective with multiple protagonists are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
OMG!!!! Yet another fantastic success by John!! What a read!! Just Wow!!! This is one of the best psychological thrillers and series I have read in a long time,in fact that I have ever read!!!
The book is written perfectly and with such vivid descriptions it really feels that you are with the protagonists walking the streets of Wales with your heart pounding in a race against time.
Clear your schedules before picking this up because you won't be able to put it down!!
The storyline is absolutely addictive and gripping. I seriously WOULD NOT even start this book unless you have cleared your schedule because you will not be able to put it down!!! I absolutely blew through it in one sitting and it genuinely was unputdownable!!! A true page turner absolutely rammed with suspense, tension and everything you want when you read a psychological thriller. This would be absolutely amazing if turned into a movie, if done right of course!!! This is an absolutely gripping and addictive storyline.
Yet another absolutely gripping and addictive page turner from John Nicholl. I have yet to come across one of his books that I don't absolutely love!! This dark psychological thriller has the perfect amount of suspense, gore and tension to keep you absolutely hooked throughout!! I love the fact that this book is based in Carmarthen which is literally 15 minutes away from me by car. . The fact that I recognised so many places really brought the story to life. John really describes Carmarthen perfectly and even when this book is filled with crime and murder he manages to portray the beauty of local areas. I love that John mentions the vegetarian cafe on Merlins Lane in Carmarthen (Waverley Stores & Vegetarian Cafe in anybody is interested to know what it is called and wants to visit themselves). The storyline is absolutely ram packed with crime, mystery, murder, suspense, tension, and everything you could ask for in an addictive psychological page turner!! It also has just the right amount of humour in to lighten the mood which I always love in crime books. Will I say more? Nope, sorry for the tease but you'll just have to pick up a copy to find out more. I can't go spoiling it for future readers now can I? I love how John wrote this book giving the readers so many different perspectives from various characters so you get such a good insight into what is happening including from the killer. I found the storyline to be unique which always a bonus with so many crime novels around it can get frustrating reading similar story lines constantly. I absolutely loved the ending and I wanted to congratulate John on his focus of Domestic abuse victims which is such an important topic that needs to be talked about more. I think I'll have to leave this here as I dont want to risk giving anything away but needless to say this book is an absolute must read with an unexpected ending. I would love to see this turned into a movie!!
Enjoyed 'meeting' DS Laura Kesey again who I first 'met' in John Nicholl's 'The Tywi Estuary Killings' which is book 2 in his 'Carmarthen Murders' series and a book I would highly recommend.
I previously met one of the main protagonists DS Laura Kesey in the second Book in the 'Carmarthen Crime' series 'The Tywi Estuary Killings'. I was pleased to "meet" her again. Detective Sergeant Laura Kesey who was another huge part of the team and is very likeable and hard working although I do worry what is going to come of her relationship with Janet after bringing her holiday to a quick end. My heart went out to Lucy who was just trying to earn some extra money and show off her art work. I also loved Ray who I don't think I have met previously and who made me laugh a few times. He reminded me of Detective Inspector Gareth Gravel from the 'Dr Galbraith' and 'Carmarthen Crime' series by John although not quite as big an attitude problem!! I would love to meet Ray again as he is one of those characters that will stay with you well after finishing the book. All the characters are realistic and strong and John's vivid descriptions make them leap out of the pages. Regardless of whether you love or hate them these characters worked perfectly to make this book absolutely unputdownable and I cannot wait to get stuck into John's next book which is guaranteed to be another explosive page turner!!
I really cannot compliment and recommend this book more. It is a heart racing, nail biting, suspense packed psychological thriller that will stay with you for one hell of a long time.
Congratulations John on yet another absolutely addictive nail biting edge of your seat novel. This is exactly why you are on my favourite author list!!! As always I'm looking forward to reading your next page turner and success 🥂 !!!
Overall a unputdownable, heart racing, nail biting and addictive psychological thriller
Genres covered in this novel include Fiction Classics, Contemporary Urban Fiction, Thriller, Hardboiled Mystery, Adventure Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Suspense, Action & Adventure, Psychological Thriller, Contemporary Fiction, Women's Fiction Classics, Mystery, Urban Fiction, Police Procedural, Death & Grief, Cromer Fiction and Crime Thriller amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as Charlie Gallagher, Mark Edwards Lisa Regan, Carol Wyer, DK Hood and anyone looking for a page turning series.
272 pages.
This book is just 99p to purchase on kindle, free on kindle unlimited, £22.38 in paperback and £23 in hardcover via Amazon at the time of review which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5/5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#TheCellar #JohnNicholl #BoldwoodBooks #NetGalley #BookReview #Goodreads #Amazon #AmazonKindle #Bookstagram #Bookblogger #KindleUnlimited
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Review for 'The Cellar' by John Nicholl.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for John Nicholl and Boldwood Books
Publication date 7th November 2022
This is the seventh book I have read by this author. I have previously read 'Killing Evil' and 'The Doctor' (First book in the 'Dr David Galbraith' series) and 'The Wife' (Second book in the Dr Galbrailth series), 'The Father' (Third book in the Dr Galbraith series), 'The Carmarthen Murders' (First book in the 'Carmarthen Crime' series) and 'The Tywi Estuary Killings' (Second book in the 'Carmarthen Crime' series) which I would also highly recommend.
I was originally drawn to this book by its unique eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. I loved John's other books called 'Killing Evil' and 'The Doctor' (which is the first book in the Dr Galbraith series), 'The Wife' (which is the second book in the Dr Galbraith series), 'The Father (which is the third book in the Dr Galbraith series), The Carmarthen Murders' (the first book in the 'Carmarthen Crime' series) and 'The Tywi Estuary Killings' (the second book in the 'Carmarthen Crime' series) and if this is half as good as they are it's bound to be a page turner. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Boldwood Books. I have yet to read a book published by Boldwood Books that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 40 chapters and an epilogue. The chapters are short to medium in length so easy to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in Carmarthen and Brechfa, Wales 🏴 , UK 🇬🇧 and Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain 🇪🇸. The bonus for me of books that are partly or fully based in the UK is that I live in the UK and have sometimes visited places mentioned in the book which makes it easier to picture. The fact that I live in Wales and only live a few miles from Carmarthen is amazing as I'm hoping to recognise a few local places.
This book is written in third person perspective and the main protagonists are Marcus Grove, Lucy Williams, DS Laura Kesey and Detective Ray Lewis. The benefits of third person perspective with multiple protagonists are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
OMG!!!! Yet another fantastic success by John!! What a read!! Just Wow!!! This is one of the best psychological thrillers and series I have read in a long time,in fact that I have ever read!!!
The book is written perfectly and with such vivid descriptions it really feels that you are with the protagonists walking the streets of Wales with your heart pounding in a race against time.
Clear your schedules before picking this up because you won't be able to put it down!!
The storyline is absolutely addictive and gripping. I seriously WOULD NOT even start this book unless you have cleared your schedule because you will not be able to put it down!!! I absolutely blew through it in one sitting and it genuinely was unputdownable!!! A true page turner absolutely rammed with suspense, tension and everything you want when you read a psychological thriller. This would be absolutely amazing if turned into a movie, if done right of course!!! This is an absolutely gripping and addictive storyline.
Yet another absolutely gripping and addictive page turner from John Nicholl. I have yet to come across one of his books that I don't absolutely love!! This dark psychological thriller has the perfect amount of suspense, gore and tension to keep you absolutely hooked throughout!! I love the fact that this book is based in Carmarthen which is literally 15 minutes away from me by car. . The fact that I recognised so many places really brought the story to life. John really describes Carmarthen perfectly and even when this book is filled with crime and murder he manages to portray the beauty of local areas. I love that John mentions the vegetarian cafe on Merlins Lane in Carmarthen (Waverley Stores & Vegetarian Cafe in anybody is interested to know what it is called and wants to visit themselves). The storyline is absolutely ram packed with crime, mystery, murder, suspense, tension, and everything you could ask for in an addictive psychological page turner!! It also has just the right amount of humour in to lighten the mood which I always love in crime books. Will I say more? Nope, sorry for the tease but you'll just have to pick up a copy to find out more. I can't go spoiling it for future readers now can I? I love how John wrote this book giving the readers so many different perspectives from various characters so you get such a good insight into what is happening including from the killer. I found the storyline to be unique which always a bonus with so many crime novels around it can get frustrating reading similar story lines constantly. I absolutely loved the ending and I wanted to congratulate John on his focus of Domestic abuse victims which is such an important topic that needs to be talked about more. I think I'll have to leave this here as I dont want to risk giving anything away but needless to say this book is an absolute must read with an unexpected ending. I would love to see this turned into a movie!!
Enjoyed 'meeting' DS Laura Kesey again who I first 'met' in John Nicholl's 'The Tywi Estuary Killings' which is book 2 in his 'Carmarthen Murders' series and a book I would highly recommend.
I previously met one of the main protagonists DS Laura Kesey in the second Book in the 'Carmarthen Crime' series 'The Tywi Estuary Killings'. I was pleased to "meet" her again. Detective Sergeant Laura Kesey who was another huge part of the team and is very likeable and hard working although I do worry what is going to come of her relationship with Janet after bringing her holiday to a quick end. My heart went out to Lucy who was just trying to earn some extra money and show off her art work. I also loved Ray who I don't think I have met previously and who made me laugh a few times. He reminded me of Detective Inspector Gareth Gravel from the 'Dr Galbraith' and 'Carmarthen Crime' series by John although not quite as big an attitude problem!! I would love to meet Ray again as he is one of those characters that will stay with you well after finishing the book. All the characters are realistic and strong and John's vivid descriptions make them leap out of the pages. Regardless of whether you love or hate them these characters worked perfectly to make this book absolutely unputdownable and I cannot wait to get stuck into John's next book which is guaranteed to be another explosive page turner!!
I really cannot compliment and recommend this book more. It is a heart racing, nail biting, suspense packed psychological thriller that will stay with you for one hell of a long time.
Congratulations John on yet another absolutely addictive nail biting edge of your seat novel. This is exactly why you are on my favourite author list!!! As always I'm looking forward to reading your next page turner and success 🥂 !!!
Overall a unputdownable, heart racing, nail biting and addictive psychological thriller
Genres covered in this novel include Fiction Classics, Contemporary Urban Fiction, Thriller, Hardboiled Mystery, Adventure Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Suspense, Action & Adventure, Psychological Thriller, Contemporary Fiction, Women's Fiction Classics, Mystery, Urban Fiction, Police Procedural, Death & Grief, Cromer Fiction and Crime Thriller amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as Charlie Gallagher, Mark Edwards Lisa Regan, Carol Wyer, DK Hood and anyone looking for a page turning series.
272 pages.
This book is just 99p to purchase on kindle, free on kindle unlimited, £22.38 in paperback and £23 in hardcover via Amazon at the time of review which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5/5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#TheCellar #JohnNicholl #BoldwoodBooks #NetGalley #BookReview #Goodreads #Amazon #AmazonKindle #Bookstagram #Bookblogger #KindleUnlimited
@TheCellar @John Nicholl @BoldwoodBooks @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86 @Netgalley @Goodreads @Amazon @AmazonKindle @Bookstagram @BookBlogger @KindleUnlimited
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September 29, 2022
Thanx to netgalley and boldwood books for letting me review this book Its very dark and disturbing, not for the faint hearted but i couldnt tear myself away from the pages.
3 people......
Marcus gove is a nurse in a physciatric hospital, who becomes an inpatients number 2 and murderer, gove wins the lottery and buys a very large house in the middle of nowhere with extensive grounds. He abducts women and keeps them in his cellar chained to the walls and naked, when he tires of them he dismembers them and buries parts of the bodies in his garden, but why?
Lucy is an artist who ends her relationship with her boyfriend as they grow apart.. Gove becomes obsessed with lucy and offers to pay her a very large sum of money to paint his cellar, what are his motives? Will lucy survive?
Ray lewis is a DS and is assigned to the abduction of lucy, he is determined to show the powers that be he has still got what it takes to be in the force. Will he be able to find lucy? I highley recommend this book
3 people......
Marcus gove is a nurse in a physciatric hospital, who becomes an inpatients number 2 and murderer, gove wins the lottery and buys a very large house in the middle of nowhere with extensive grounds. He abducts women and keeps them in his cellar chained to the walls and naked, when he tires of them he dismembers them and buries parts of the bodies in his garden, but why?
Lucy is an artist who ends her relationship with her boyfriend as they grow apart.. Gove becomes obsessed with lucy and offers to pay her a very large sum of money to paint his cellar, what are his motives? Will lucy survive?
Ray lewis is a DS and is assigned to the abduction of lucy, he is determined to show the powers that be he has still got what it takes to be in the force. Will he be able to find lucy? I highley recommend this book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 7, 2022
The Cellar by John Nicholl.
Nurse. Protégé. Murderer.
Marcus Gove has been all these things. He’s reached the pinnacle of his art and now it’s time for him to take a protégé. Lovely Lucy is perfect for the role, or she will be . . .
Artist. Teacher. Daughter. Lucy Williams is just like everyone else. She’s had some success as an artist, not so much success in love, but she’s getting by. But soon she’s going to have to become something else if she wants to be a survivor. Detective. Ex-husband. Underdog. Ray Lewis’s career isn’t heading anywhere. But he’s a solid detective and he’s determined to find Lucy no matter what the upper brass throw at him. Three people. Nineteen days. Who will live and who will die?
Brilliant read. Twisty. Gripping read. 5*.
Nurse. Protégé. Murderer.
Marcus Gove has been all these things. He’s reached the pinnacle of his art and now it’s time for him to take a protégé. Lovely Lucy is perfect for the role, or she will be . . .
Artist. Teacher. Daughter. Lucy Williams is just like everyone else. She’s had some success as an artist, not so much success in love, but she’s getting by. But soon she’s going to have to become something else if she wants to be a survivor. Detective. Ex-husband. Underdog. Ray Lewis’s career isn’t heading anywhere. But he’s a solid detective and he’s determined to find Lucy no matter what the upper brass throw at him. Three people. Nineteen days. Who will live and who will die?
Brilliant read. Twisty. Gripping read. 5*.
November 9, 2022
My reading and concentration has been AWOL this year, but knowing one of my favourite authors has a new book out, I knew I wouldn't be disappointed.
I binge read the book the same day and it was brilliant. Well constructed and written with clear descriptions of the characters and settings made it easy to imagine the details of the story.
John is a master of his craft and this book is no less than 5* like the others I have read, but not for the faint hearted.
***NO SPOILERS but a trigger warning as the book contains graphic descriptions of domestic violence, sexual gratification, murder and dismembering bodies.***
I binge read the book the same day and it was brilliant. Well constructed and written with clear descriptions of the characters and settings made it easy to imagine the details of the story.
John is a master of his craft and this book is no less than 5* like the others I have read, but not for the faint hearted.
***NO SPOILERS but a trigger warning as the book contains graphic descriptions of domestic violence, sexual gratification, murder and dismembering bodies.***
August 19, 2023
WOOOW! What a fantastic read and goes into completely different graphic that I haven’t read before. The level of details the writer goes into was mind blowing - although I have to admit reading it late at night resulted in some very weird dreams 😂 however I loved it so much! Might have to do some more reading by John ✌🏼
December 5, 2022
My Review of The Cellar by John Nicholl
This is the first time I have even heard of this author, John Nicholl, who wrote The Cellar, but it certainly won't be the last for me. I have a feeling that I could be having some nightmares tonight. Yikes! This story is beyond any of the thrillers that I have read in about 30 years! When I tell you that it's gruesome, disgusting, and unable to resist for those of us who thrive on thrillers, I am, by no means, underestimating the power of this book! I am not going to retell the story at all, but I assure you that I will be looking over my shoulder whenever I get a creepy feeling. This one will hold the attention of even the most reluctant readers. I sincerely hope that everyone enjoys it as much as I did!
This is the first time I have even heard of this author, John Nicholl, who wrote The Cellar, but it certainly won't be the last for me. I have a feeling that I could be having some nightmares tonight. Yikes! This story is beyond any of the thrillers that I have read in about 30 years! When I tell you that it's gruesome, disgusting, and unable to resist for those of us who thrive on thrillers, I am, by no means, underestimating the power of this book! I am not going to retell the story at all, but I assure you that I will be looking over my shoulder whenever I get a creepy feeling. This one will hold the attention of even the most reluctant readers. I sincerely hope that everyone enjoys it as much as I did!
November 15, 2022
Now, here is an author that I find better than some of the most famous horror and psychological thriller etc authors out there in the big wide world! His books are not for the faint hearted! as they are gruesome and gory and they are Just Brilliant!
So when John Nicholl has a new book out I have to put everything on hold and start to read his books!!! and become apart of his tale! He never disappoints!
WoW!!! The Cellar by John Nicholl was OMG Brilliant from start to finish I can't praise this author enough! The Cellar is as dark as one book can get. So be warned its Not for the faint hearted again and it's just brilliant again. It has everything you want from a book, great well written book, great realistic characters, very graphic, its gruesome and so gory from start to finish that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat and what more can you ask for!
John Nicholl's book are well, just amazing and I have enjoyed all his books so far........I don't think his brain every stops thinking of his next superb books to write..........Every book has just taken my breathe away.
I highly recommend all of his books! They are Superb! If I could give this book 10 stars I would. So max stars from me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC
So when John Nicholl has a new book out I have to put everything on hold and start to read his books!!! and become apart of his tale! He never disappoints!
WoW!!! The Cellar by John Nicholl was OMG Brilliant from start to finish I can't praise this author enough! The Cellar is as dark as one book can get. So be warned its Not for the faint hearted again and it's just brilliant again. It has everything you want from a book, great well written book, great realistic characters, very graphic, its gruesome and so gory from start to finish that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat and what more can you ask for!
John Nicholl's book are well, just amazing and I have enjoyed all his books so far........I don't think his brain every stops thinking of his next superb books to write..........Every book has just taken my breathe away.
I highly recommend all of his books! They are Superb! If I could give this book 10 stars I would. So max stars from me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC
November 14, 2022
Marcus Grove worked as a nurse at The Ashdown Hospital , a high security facility for the criminally insane..Whilst there he befriends those in his care ..and when he wins the lottery he moves to Wales and buys a huge house ..where the cellar becomes his killing ground ...where no one can hear the screams .Marcus Grove is a cold , cruel..completely out of control phycopath..Lucy Williams is an artist and lecturer at the local college, with a bright future ahead of her ...when she vanishes and is reported missing by her father an MP , DS Ray Lewis is charged with finding her But time is running out...As the hours turn to days those higher up feel the case has slowed and DI Laura Kelsey , who is on her first holiday in years is called back to take the lead .....Cold Dark and Visceral ...The Cellar pulls you right in ...you can almost taste the fear .5 stars ....Another Stunning dark read from John Nicholl...
December 30, 2022
I found this as a recommendation on kindle based on other books I’ve read, and for 99p the synopsis sounded like it might be right up my street and a bargain too.
It’s the first book I’ve read by this author so I wasn’t sure what to expect.
Without any spoilers; the plot is essentially that of a sadistic, psychopathic killer fancies himself as some kind of God and abducts and murders young women.
He focuses on a young artist called Lucy and the story begins..
On his trail are two detectives (one rudely pulled back from her holiday abroad to lead the investigation) who are running out of time to find Lucy.
Whilst the idea was there.. the attention to detail is lacking for me, two thirds of the book are spent introducing and describing the characters, telling us all about their lives, whilst the last third was just rushed.
It’s not tied up very well at all, almost like the author ran out of time or word count (maybe both) or just got bored with it.
None of the characters had any depth to them, even poor Lucy didn’t really have me rooting for her much. It’s not really explained why he wanted Lucy so badly, or why he wanted her to love and stay with him more than the others. I almost felt like I was reading part of a series and missed the prequels..
There could have been so much more depth and detail added; there was no reason or explanation given as to why he was the way he was, other than a bad relationship with his mother. More focus on these details would have held my interest more.
This book contained an excerpt for the next in the series, following the same detective, but I’m
not sure I would like to read anymore if they’re as superficial as this one has been.
It’s the first book I’ve read by this author so I wasn’t sure what to expect.
Without any spoilers; the plot is essentially that of a sadistic, psychopathic killer fancies himself as some kind of God and abducts and murders young women.
He focuses on a young artist called Lucy and the story begins..
On his trail are two detectives (one rudely pulled back from her holiday abroad to lead the investigation) who are running out of time to find Lucy.
Whilst the idea was there.. the attention to detail is lacking for me, two thirds of the book are spent introducing and describing the characters, telling us all about their lives, whilst the last third was just rushed.
It’s not tied up very well at all, almost like the author ran out of time or word count (maybe both) or just got bored with it.
None of the characters had any depth to them, even poor Lucy didn’t really have me rooting for her much. It’s not really explained why he wanted Lucy so badly, or why he wanted her to love and stay with him more than the others. I almost felt like I was reading part of a series and missed the prequels..
There could have been so much more depth and detail added; there was no reason or explanation given as to why he was the way he was, other than a bad relationship with his mother. More focus on these details would have held my interest more.
This book contained an excerpt for the next in the series, following the same detective, but I’m
not sure I would like to read anymore if they’re as superficial as this one has been.
October 3, 2022
This is a dark, psychological, suspense thriller written about a serial killer of the most abhorrent kind.
Following the journey of Lucy, the unlucky object of affection for Gove, the serial killer, is a journey into the darkest of minds. Expertly crafted and told on such a way you, like Lucy, are helpless to follow on the journey into a madman’s cellar.
As a trigger warning, this book is graphic. It contains elements of abuse perpetrated against women, highlighting both issues of toxic males and male violence on women. There is nothing spared in the descriptions of the murders, the abuse, and the sexual gratification of the killer.
All of that said, I did find it (albeit disturbing) a crazy tale I didn’t want to stop reading. The author is both an ex-police officer as well as a child protection social worker, so you can only imagine what he’s seen, and what went into writing this novel.
As long as you can handle the dark side of humanity, I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a dark, psychological suspense.
Thank you to #NetGalley, the publishers and author for sending me an ARC in exchange for my honest opinions. This is set for release on November 15, 2022.
Happy reading my friends! 😊
Following the journey of Lucy, the unlucky object of affection for Gove, the serial killer, is a journey into the darkest of minds. Expertly crafted and told on such a way you, like Lucy, are helpless to follow on the journey into a madman’s cellar.
As a trigger warning, this book is graphic. It contains elements of abuse perpetrated against women, highlighting both issues of toxic males and male violence on women. There is nothing spared in the descriptions of the murders, the abuse, and the sexual gratification of the killer.
All of that said, I did find it (albeit disturbing) a crazy tale I didn’t want to stop reading. The author is both an ex-police officer as well as a child protection social worker, so you can only imagine what he’s seen, and what went into writing this novel.
As long as you can handle the dark side of humanity, I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a dark, psychological suspense.
Thank you to #NetGalley, the publishers and author for sending me an ARC in exchange for my honest opinions. This is set for release on November 15, 2022.
Happy reading my friends! 😊
April 4, 2023
pass
Some pretty awful character development and writing. I ended up hate finishing it to see how worse it could get.
Some pretty awful character development and writing. I ended up hate finishing it to see how worse it could get.
November 12, 2022
There have been so many brilliant psychological thriller released this last few months. This author is one of my favourites. I have been saying that a lot too! John Nicholl knows how to write a fabulously dark and delicious tale. I just knew I would enjoy this!
The Cellar is as dark as it can get. Be warned, if you don't like gruesome and gory it won't be one for you. If you do, read on. It's as always, superbly written and with well developed and realistic characters. Who, well, you shall see, when you read it!
We meet Marcus Gove, a man who has won the lottery and is also a psychopath. He made it his mission to buy a remote house and kit his Cellar out to kill his victims and mutilate them too. Gove has lined Lucy up to be his next victim. When she disappears D.S Ray Lewis is the officer in charge of the investigation into Lucy's whereabouts. Will he be able to get to the bottom of whats happened before Lucy becomes Gove's latest victim?
Told from multiple points of view, with Gove being the most hateful characters. Lucy is a woman who I was right behind. She is determined that she will get through this situation she finds herself in. Lewis is a copper who is a doggedly determined man. Knowing Lucy's disappearance isn't marked as important doesn't deter him. I liked how his humour lightened the story a little too.
I was scarily captivated by this dark and gruesome tale. I couldn't tear myself away. John Nicholl's past experiences within the social services and the police always make his books real. Scarily real. His understanding of the psychology of a criminals mind makes for an addictive read. If you love a dark, gory psychological thriller that will have the hairs on your arm stand up, pick up this book.
Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and Boldwood Books.
The Cellar is as dark as it can get. Be warned, if you don't like gruesome and gory it won't be one for you. If you do, read on. It's as always, superbly written and with well developed and realistic characters. Who, well, you shall see, when you read it!
We meet Marcus Gove, a man who has won the lottery and is also a psychopath. He made it his mission to buy a remote house and kit his Cellar out to kill his victims and mutilate them too. Gove has lined Lucy up to be his next victim. When she disappears D.S Ray Lewis is the officer in charge of the investigation into Lucy's whereabouts. Will he be able to get to the bottom of whats happened before Lucy becomes Gove's latest victim?
Told from multiple points of view, with Gove being the most hateful characters. Lucy is a woman who I was right behind. She is determined that she will get through this situation she finds herself in. Lewis is a copper who is a doggedly determined man. Knowing Lucy's disappearance isn't marked as important doesn't deter him. I liked how his humour lightened the story a little too.
I was scarily captivated by this dark and gruesome tale. I couldn't tear myself away. John Nicholl's past experiences within the social services and the police always make his books real. Scarily real. His understanding of the psychology of a criminals mind makes for an addictive read. If you love a dark, gory psychological thriller that will have the hairs on your arm stand up, pick up this book.
Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and Boldwood Books.
September 28, 2022
A clever, thrilling, quite raw in parts and gritty crime/psychological read not for the faint- hearted (think Fred West/captive type).
Marcus Gove is quite clever, and thinks himself almost god-like in his abilities. He sets his sights on his victims and then takes his pleasure back at his remote country house well away from anyone or anything. He has his sights set on Lucy, whose part time occupation is painting and he has devised a way of asking her to paint his cellar studio. Lucy, having tolerated a lazy boyfriend and making a new start, sees the lucrative opportunity and despite her family thinking it's too good to be true she wants to go through with it. Laura the detective is on holiday taking a much needed break so when the case breaks someone else has to take over until she receives a less than friendly call. Who is Moloch and why is he doing this?
OMG! A book I didn't want to put down. I've said “raw” above and should explain that only a couple of sections describe this- most is left to the reader's imagination- what we have seen on TV from Fred West and the infamous Fritzi case in Austria came to mind. I liked Lucy and have always liked Laura who appears in some other of John's books, both determined tenacious women very much put to the test. Lucy’s speech had me in tears as I know the basis is very real and that John has professional experience of this. A huge shout out for domestic violence to touch the heart and a huge 5*. One stunning, captivating read.
For more reviews please follow me on Twitter@nickisbookblog
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