What a brilliant psychological thriller this is! Totally unputdownable from page one. When surgeon Professor Aiken is convicted of a crime that he has always maintained he is innocent of, he spends his time inside planning. When someone else confesses to the crime Aiken is released and starts to turn his plans into reality. He wants revenge……….. I really liked how the chapters were set out, each coming from the viewpoint of one of the characters. How everyone is connected, how they’ve got to this point and how the story developed kept me totally engaged. This is chilling, gripping and disturbing. An absolutely brilliant book that is not easily forgotten. Thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the ARC

John Nicholl has a huge hit on his hands with The Surgeon. Its such a clever plot and the character of the Surgeon is quite chilling (think Hannibel Lecter) I've reccomended it to all my friends.

This was a twisty thriller. It had such atmosphere all the way through and once I started it I couldn't put it down until I finished it. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

REVIEW


Review for 'The Surgeon' by John Nicholl.

This is the twelfth book I have read by this incredible crime author I have previously read 'Killing Evil', 'The Doctor' (Book 1 in the 'Dr David Galbraith' series), 'The Wife' (Book 2 in the Dr Galbrailth series), 'The Father' (book 3 in the Dr Galbraith series), 'The Carmarthen Murders' (Book 1 in the 'Carmarthen Crime' series), 'The Tywi Estuary Killings' (Book 2 in the 'Carmarthen Crime' series),'The Castle Beach Murders' (Book 3 in 'The Carmarthen Crime' series), 'The Dryslwyn Castle Killings' (book 4 in the 'Carmarthen Crime' series), 'The Bride', 'The Cellar' and 'The Holiday' and I would highly recommend each and every single one of them!!

Another gripping, heart raising and addictive page turner by the King Of Crime John Nicholl!!

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 Carmarthenshire with your heart pounding in a race against time. Make sure you 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 of just a few hours and it genuinely was unputdownable!!! A true page turner absolutely rammed with suspense, tension, crime, revenge, anger, brutality, murder and everything you want when you read a psychological thriller. It ticks every single box for a crime lover. This would be absolutely amazing if turned into a movie, if done right of course!!! This is an absolutely gripping and addictive storyline. I have absolutely loved each book by John who has also brought out two series' called 'The Carmarthen Crime' series (perfect for locals like myself!) and his 'Dr David Galbraith' series which is perfect for crime lovers!!! This book is another absolutely explosive and addictive page turner from this incredible crime author. I love the fact that this book is based in Carmarthenshire along with naming many places local to me. Carmarthenshire is an absolutely beautiful place to visit with its castles and beaches and although this is a crime book John portrays the beauty of both Carmarthenshire and many of the local areas perfectly. The fact that I recognised so many places really brought the story to life. John really describes the local towns perfectly and even when this book is filled with crime and murder he manages to portray the beauty of local areas. I must say I had my heart in my throat and was on the edge of my seat on so many occasions in this book that I lost count!!! Will I say more? Nope, sorry for the tease but you'll just have to pick up a copy to find out what I mean. I can't go spoiling it for future readers now can I? If you want to find out more you will just have to grab your copy of this gripping book, and better yet the whole series and I can PROMISE you are not going to regret it. I mean, if you have never read any of John Nicholl's books before then you really cannot go and call yourself a crime fan so if you do love crime then you just have to get these books today!!! You may even discover your new favourite author, book and/or series just like I did when I first got hooked into his books!! With an absolutely gripping and addictive storyline I have no idea what you are waiting for? Stop wasting your time reading what I have written and get stuck in to something someone with talent and skill, as well as experience, has written!! 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 surgeon, the victim, the police along with several others. I also wanted to add that I really enjoyed the fantastic poem that John has included at the start of this book written by his great uncle Theodore Nicholl, obviously a family of many talents!

Another gripping, shocking, tension and crime packed psychological thriller from this extremely talented author!! I'm already counting down the days until his next book so I hope you are writing as I type John!!

I have previously met the main protagonist Detective Inspector Laura Kesey in several of John's previous books and I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know her and see her move through the police force along with getting to know her family life with her partner Janet and their son Ed. In this book things become extremely personal when Laura is targeted herself and it becomes a race against time to save her family. Not only did I enjoy meeting Laura again but also Ray Lewis who is now retired but was previously Laura's DS. I cannot say the same about DCS Nigel Halliday who I have never liked and found to be a pen pushing, number loving idiot who cares more about politics than policing!! I was intrigued to meet new character DC Jacqueline who I enjoyed getting to know and hope we meet again, along with PC Kirsty Whitlock from 'The Bride' of course lol! I love the fact that this book makes the crime even more personal to Laura which makes it even more personal to myself as she has become like a friend to me after "knowing" her for all these years, although she can drive me mad sometimes! Each of the characters are realistic and strong with their own unique personalities, flaws, strengths and weaknesses. There was a hole left after the death of a well beloved character for me in ''The Dryslwyn Castle Killings' and I am intrigued to see if another character/s will be along to fill his space along with that of another one, who was not beloved at all. who is thankfully moving on to the Met. As always John has included a vast variety of characters where we get to see from their perspectives and he links them all in perfectly. In this book especially it goes to show the butterfly affect of what can happen when one person is or isn't listened to when it comes to an investigation. Quoting Jack Reacher "“In an investigation, details matter.” and " "in an investigation, assumptions kill", maybe he should teach that to a certain PC Grant!! 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 more books by this absolutely amazing author!!

I really cannot compliment and recommend this book more. It is a heart racing, nail biting, suspense packed psychological crime thriller.

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!!!

Overall a unputdownable, heart racing, nail biting and addictive psychological thriller.

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Read in 2 hours and 11 minutes.

I feel a mixture of pity and amusement at this book; it reminds me of how adults nod along when toddlers smash their toy cars into each other and make explosion noises, as they gabble about the Grand Finale to their action scene.

At first, I thought that the author was in on the joke- with their grandiose villain monologues and Marvel-esque dramatics- but now I’m not certain.

It’s not just the pantomime acting that grated on me but the over-explaining.
Most characters are given headings that read like Daily Mail headlines (see “The Soulmate,” “The Survivor” POVs) and introduce themselves by their full name and occupation.
From that, I assumed that this was a series of interviews or interrogations that would be revealed later on in the book (spoiler alert: it’s not).

I’m insulted because it’s clear that the author doesn’t trust you to pick up on the obvious hints and therefore spends most of the book force-feeding you this regurgitated information.

A clue is emphasised often enough that hearing the same ‘hint’ announced once more would be classed as a breach of the Geneva Conventions.

If you embrace the exaggerations, however, it’s an entertaining read.
I’m never a fan of graphic descriptions and (this story steered too far towards the Karin Slaughter School of Gore) but I liked the realism of police drudgery and politics.

There’s also some nice phrases scattered within the book that prove that the author can describe sections well (listed below).

Here’s what the first victim, Megan, reveals:
(This isn’t a spoiler because her assault is mentioned within the first few pages):

“Most people seem to think PTSD is reserved for soldiers, for those who've trudged through the horrors of battle. But survivors like me? We fight battles of a different kind, in a war waged not on foreign soil but deep within the fragile confines of our own minds. There are no medals for people like me, no parades, no commemorative plaques to mark our survival. But the suffering? It's just as real. Just as raw.”

“My life is a fragile house of cards, built on the ruins of who I once was.”

“And yet, even as I tried to cling to the fragile threads of reason, the certainty I so desperately craved slipped through my fingers like smoke.”

Her worried older sister confirms that “Megan got stuck. Trapped in the past, in the moment she was attacked.”

Even Aitken himself has his moments of poetry when describing prison;
“The fetid air here reeks of despair, thick and choking. The walls themselves seem to sweat degradation.”

“Here, in this pit of human waste, time loses all meaning. The clanging of keys, the endless shouts, the muffled sobs at night - it all blurs into a cacophony of misery. The stench is worse. Sweat, decay, despair. It seeps into your skin, your very soul.”

Burnt-out DI Kesey (notable soulmate of The Soulmate) also has her relatable moments:
“I knew exactly what I was doing when I opened that laptop, the cold glow of the screen washing over my face like an accusation.”

“And still I clicked. I scrolled. I read. Because maybe, just maybe, self-reflection wasn't only my drug- it was my punishment.”


All in all, the multitude of sins in this book (not just the legal kind) are forgiven because of how hilarious I find this line to be; “You can’t explain Beethoven to a monkey.”

Nonetheless, I’m sure that this author would never waste an opportunity to educate the poor chimp.

Eminent surgeon Professor Aiken has spent the last 5 years in prison for a crime he says he didn't commit. When the real culprit confesses Aiken is finally released vowing to seek revenge on those he feels wronged him. But is Aiken as innocent as he makes out?
If you like your thrillers to have you on the edge of your seat, afraid to turn the page in fear of what might come next then this novel is ideal for you. Aiken is a clever, articulate, intelligent character with a dark soul. He's one of the most depraved, evil characters I've read about and yet there's something that draws you to him. The chapters in which he features are almost artistically written despite being tense and gripping. There are multiple points of view but its in no way confusing. It's a suspenseful read and I couldn't put it down

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the eCopy of this title.

John Nicholl delivers a dark, twisty psychological suspense novel that explores justice, revenge, and the terrifying thin line between the two.

🔪 Plot Summary
When an eminent surgeon is arrested for the brutal murder of a young woman, the evidence seems damning, he’s found at the scene, covered in blood. But he insists he didn’t do it. And when the real killer confesses, he’s released, vindicated… or so it seems.

What no one knows, not the police officer who arrested him, nor the influencer who campaigned for his release, nor the survivor of a previous attack is that while he was behind bars, he was making a plan. Because for this surgeon, revenge isn’t just sweet it’s surgical.

The novel unfolds with a chilling sense of inevitability, as the lines between victim and villain blur and the reader is left questioning who truly deserves justice.

🧠 What I Liked
Atmosphere: Nicholl knows how to build tension. The psychological unease is constant, and the pacing keeps you turning pages.

Moral Complexity: The story plays with themes of guilt, redemption, and vengeance in ways that are unsettling and thought-provoking.

Realism: Drawing on his background in law enforcement and child protection, Nicholl brings a gritty authenticity to the narrative.

🩸 Final Thoughts
The Surgeon is a solid psychological thriller with a chilling premise and a morally murky core. It’s ideal for fans of Daniel Hurst or TM Logan who enjoy revenge-driven narratives. While it didn’t fully land for me, it’s a quick, tense read that will appeal to those who like their thrillers dark and disturbing.

This is a spellbinding story that kept me hooked from start to finish!

Professor Sir Alexander Aitken, a respected surgeon, was found guilty of murder and spent 5 years in prison. He was released when the real killer confessed. DI Laura Kesey was instrumental in putting him in prison. When Dr. Aitken is released, he vows revenge on everyone who he feels is responsible for ruining his career and his life. I was almost afraid to turn the page to find out what was coming next. If you are looking for an exciting dark thriller with revenge, this is it.

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC of this very exciting thriller.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review. This book was not what I expected at all, just by the title alone, I thought perhaps this was a surgeon who was murdering his patients. Nope this book had nothing to do with a surgeon so I was a little confused. The guy imprisoned for a murder, was a prominent surgeon, wrongly convicted of murder, yup that's it, the only reference to a surgeon. Once a pod caster provides enough evidence to exonerate him for the murder, he is released. End of story.....nope the story is just getting started as he now wants to seek revenge for all the people who wrongfully accused him of murder.....instead of being thankful to be out of prison, why not go ahead and plan the murders of all those who wronged you......WHAT????........Enjoy!!

I feel so happy with myself that I had the idea to request this arc and thankfully to get approved, because this baby came in handy just in time to prevent me from falling down into a reading slump and also to remind me why I like thrillers.

Our psycho surgeon was the brightest personality in the book, following his process, his view, and his calculated planning while being his self-righteous psychopathic delusional self brought me to eat this book. I could clearly see the difference between the multiple characters even if they were muted compared to the psycho.

However, the game of it, the pieces falling into place so that he could be revealed were very interesting. As a readers, we could see the restrictions and the bureaucracy playing a role in DI Kesey work and even her own perception of the situation. The mass boom of journalists sniffing blood and trying to sink their teeth into the story even if not in much details, I could see the role it played as well.

The disbelief of how to go against a man who was accused of the wrong murder, yet so many things lead to him for the missing people. The way the police is ready to overlook things simply because the sources could be considered unreliable. Everything was so nicely done and wrapped up in my mind.

I’m so happy this arc was my first book from John Nicholl.

Thank you so much NetGalley and Boldwood Books for giving me the chance to read this arc!! I appreciate it!

Thank you for the advanced copy of The Surgeon pub day 19th of October - When a well respected surgeon is arrested for murder, He knows what it’s like to feel a person die on his operating table, but he didn’t kill this girl . When real perpetrator owns up to the murder the surgeon wants revenge on those who doubted him . I throughly enjoyed this loved the characters and especially loved that ever chapter was written from a different chapters viewpoint.

The Surgeon by John Nicholl is a fast-paced thriller that you will devour in a few short hours.

A renowned surgeon is sentenced to murder, though he knows that he did not do it. But as his time on the inside ticks by, a plan begins to formulate, and the surgeon sets a course for revenge. After all, he knows only too well how it feels to hold the life of another in the palm of his hand.

This is a quick, satisfying read, though I did feel as if an element of suspense was lost along the way. Overall, however, this is a solid, enjoyable read. 3.5 stars

Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC.

What a great read. I was worried it might get a bit too gory but it didnt. There were characters i loved and was cheering on. A sad, emotional, dark read that I absolutely loved.

Thanks to net galley and the publishers for this arc.

When a renowned surgeon is arrested and imprisoned for murder he insists he didn’t do it. However upon his release it soon becomes apparent that although he didn’t commit this murder he is extremely dangerous.

Can he be stopped before he does murder?

4 stars

This was fast paced and definitely had me turning the pages to find out what happened however it did lack a little bit of depth. More character development would have been ideal to make me really care about the characters but it was an entertaining read.

3.5 stars

It is written through the POV of about a dozen characters. This had the potential to be confusing but I think it was ok. It gives us completely different outlooks on what's going on, rather than just giving us the thoughts of one character. On the other hand, was there too many viewpoints? I think so. Because it doesn't give you that one character, you've got no-one to invest in. And it does mean there's a lot of stories that have to be wrapped up well, and some characters pop up once and are never mentioned again.

I did enjoy it, and I would definitely recommend it but there was something nigging at me throughout it that I couldn't quite pinpoint. But I think I'd describe it as being told rather than shown. I know everyone writes differently but the general rule is you show the reader what's happening rather than tell them. Now I'm not saying it's an easy thing to do, I appreciate that, but I think that was what was annoying me. There seemed to be a simplicity about the way it was written.

I did see a review that said the title didn't match the story and I must say I agree. Yes there is a surgeon who is wrongly imprisoned, but I don't think him being a surgeon is all that important to the plot. I thought it'd be like Jack Jordan's Do No Harm, and it would be about things happening whilst on the operating table, but there was none of that. I think it would have worked just as well if it had a different profession, so yes, I agree the title is misleading.

The Surgeon himself wasn't a nice character. I know that's the point, and in a way John has written him well. But I still like to enjoy reading about despicable characters, whereas the Surgeon in this just made me too uncomfortable rather than scared, which is what I expect John was trying to get at.

I liked the ending but it was a bit rushed. I'd have liked it drawn out a bit because it's plodding on and then suddenly it's all sorted and it's done.

I did enjoy it overall; it was a fresh take on the thriller genre, which is my most read genre.

Dark, tense, and completely gripping—The Surgeon pulled me in right away and kept me turning pages late into the night. The suspense and characters made it well worth the read. This was my first Nicholl book, but it certainly won’t be my last. Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This is one of the most intense books I've read for a long time. From start to finish I was on the edge of my seat and wondering what the hell was going to happen next. If you're looking for a fast paced, nail bitingly dark book then this is the one for you. Huge 5 starts.

Wow. This is a really creepy, scary psychological roller coaster of a read. A man wrongly accused of a murder years previously is released when tgecreal killer confesses. But revenge is all he can think about.
John Nicholl has the reader on the edge of the seat with a tense, uncomfortable novel. It is brilliantly twisted. Cannot wait for his next book.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐

I have nothing negative to say about this book! From the very beginning, I was hooked and that pace kept strong through out the whole read. In true John Nicholl fashion, this book was full of twists that take a death grip on the reader and does not let go. There are different points and perspectives of each character, making them their own individual person. This helped me with relating to each one.

Overall, I highly recommend this read.

Thank you NetGalley for the eArc.