Description
What drives a woman to murder?
Twenty-nine-year-old Cynthia Galbraith is serving a life sentence for murder, and struggling with the traumatic past that put her behind bars.
When the prison counsellor suggests Cynthia write a personal journal exploring the events that drove her to murder, she figures she has all the time in the world and very little, if anything, to lose. So she begins to write, revealing the secrets that haunt her and the truths she’s never dared tell.
A note from the author: While fictional, this book was inspired by true events. It draws on the author’s experiences as a police officer and child protection social worker. The story contains content that some readers may find upsetting. It is dedicated to survivors everywhere.
*Previously published as When Evil Calls Your Name*
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'The Wife' by John Nicholl.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for John Nicholl and Boldwood Books
Publication date 16th August 2022
This is the third book I have read by this author. I have previously read 'Killing Evil' and 'White Is The Coldest Colour' (First book in the 'Dr David Galbraith' series) which I would also highly recommend. This book is the second book in the 'Dr David Galbraith' series.
I was originally drawn to this book by its unique eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. I am a huge fan of true stories and although this book is fiction it is based in a true story. I loved John's other books called 'Killing Evil' and 'The Doctor' (which is the first book in this 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 45 chapters and an epilogue. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in Wales 🏴 , UK 🇬🇧. 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 the authour is amazing as I'm hoping to recognise a few local places.
This book is written in first person perspective and the main protagonist is Cynthia Galbraith. The benefits of books written in first person perspective are as long as they are well written it makes you feel that you are being spoken to by the protagonist and it can create more of a bond between yourselves and them. If there are several protagonists you also get to see more of what is going on.
'The Wife' discusses some topics that may trigger some readers or may not be suitable for others. I like to point this out ahead of time in my reviews so you can judge if this book is for you or not. In this book John discusses/includes child abuse, strong language and domestic abuse.
OMG!!!! What a read!! Just Wow!!! This is one of the best psychological thrillers 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 Cynthia is sitting next to you telling you what is happening while she is doing it or was doing it. I absolutely LOVED that Cynthia is talking directly to me as a reader. It really immerses the reader into the storyline. This is very hard to achieve correctly but John absolutely smashed it!!!
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!!! Not only is this a gripping and addictive storyline but it is immensely thought provoking. Without revealing too much of the storyline it is hard to say what I want without exposing the story too much and spoiling it for other readers. Some readers will agree with what she did, some wouldn't. I absolutely agree with the fact that the justice system we have is a joke!! My heart really went out to Cynthia while I was reading this. That absolutely sick #### put her through so much it is heartbreaking. This is the second book in the series but to really gain a true perspective of what happened I would definitely recommend reading the first in the series 'White Is The Coldest Colour' which is just as addictive. Some people may question why Cynthia didn't just leave. However, I have worked in victim support and the reality is that these victims have been manipulated so much that they genuinely feel they deserve what they are being dealt with. Domestic abuse is a hard subject to write about but it is important that it is to help victims realise that what they are going through isn't normal and isn't their fault and hopefully get the help they need. If anything that John has written about resonates with you please tell someone, contact the police, message me even, please speak out. John has woven such hard subjects into an unputdownable and addictive book which will stay with me for a long time.
It is set over multiple time lines. When books show what has happened in the past and what is happening in the present I find it really helps the reader (if it is well done) understand why things are happening and what has lead to the present activities and decisions. It also shows the bigger picture.
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 an yet another absolutely epic novel!! This is exactly why you are my favourite male author!! Looking forward to reading your next page turner!!!
Overall a unputdownable, heart racing, nail biting and addictive psychological thriller
Genres covered in this novel include Thriller, Hardboiled Mystery, Suspense, Psychological Thriller, Fiction Mash-ups, Mystery and Crime Thriller amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as Charlie Gallagher, Mark Edwards and anyone looking for a page turning series.
264 pages.
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
@John Nicholl @BoldwoodBooks @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
About The Author
John Nicholl, a former police officer, social worker and lecturer, is the award-winning, Amazon bestselling author of numerous darkly psychological suspense thrillers. He began writing after leaving his job heading up child protection services. You can find out more about John and his books at: www.johnnicholl.com
A Note From John
I write fast-paced, gritty, and dark psychological suspense thrillers, which draw on my real-life experiences as a police officer and social worker. I began writing after leaving my job heading up child protection services in west Wales.
All my books work as standalone stories, but some are part of a series and others are connected.
I’m very grateful to all of my readers, and I very much hope you’ll discover more of my books. I’m always interested to receive your feedback and read your reviews.
John
Purchase Link
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/3Ao7yW6
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3OY0S5i
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