When Evil Calls Your Name is the follow-up to the novel White Is The Coldest Colour, and you really must read that one first, as this will not make sense if you don't. This time round Cynthia Galbraith tells her story in memoir form which is the ideal way of telling and makes it an easy way to get to grips with her view and to enjoy the tale more.

I would firstly like to thank Netgalley and the publishers for allowing me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

The first book was certainly not for the faint-hearted! Disturbing, sinister but I couldn't put it down! From that I immediately started the second... and while it was a tiny bit repetitive, I loved that I got to read from a different perspective. Delves deeper in the first novel, as well as moving alongside the story as a satisfying pace. I'm very much looking forward to reading the third book in the series.

A novel which follows on nicely from white is the coldest colour, continuing the storyline of Cynthia and wrapping up the loose ends within the previous book

Lkce the vivid scenes of this book and he has such an amazing ability to write characters. I think he really has such powerful imagery and can easily be listed as a top author.

This is a continuation of the story line and main character from book one, White is the coldest colour. It was a good read, even though I still don't like the basic story matter.
Recommended.

I find myself in an unusual position when writing this review. I loved this book, and yet, I really did not like the first book in the series, White is the Coldest Colour, and had I realised that this was the second in the series when I selected it, I would not have done so. But I am absolutely delighted I did as none of flaws and criticisms I found with the first book are present in When Evil Calls Your Name (such as one dimensional stereotypical characters almost making a mockery of such a serious topic as child abuse sex rings).
Whilst this book picks up where the first one finishes in so far as we find Cynthia in prison, it is almost a prequel, in that through her writing her memoirs in prison (for the purposes of therapy and coming to terms with what has happened to her in the life) we find out how she found herself in the situation we saw her in with Dr Galbraith in book one.
This book was incredibly well written and I hope there is another in the series which is written to the same high standard.
Thanks to NetGalley for a Kindle copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Man sollte den ersten Band gelesen haben, um diesem Buch richtig folgen zu können. Leider hat dieser Band Längen und diverse Schwachstellen - man merkt ihm an, dass er eben nur die "Nummer zwei" ist, eben eine Art Aufguss, ein Anknüpfen an den ersten Erfolg. Spannend ja, aber nicht durchgehend. Nette Geschichte mit einer Auflösung, die nicht überrascht.

Trigger warnings include child abuse, sexual assault, domestic violence, paedophilia, mental health, murder and attempted suicide.

“Isn’t it strange how our past shapes and torments us when we least expect it?”

I’ve heard Dr. Phil say countless times that whatever story he’s focusing on is a cautionary tale. This story is definitely a cautionary tale. If you ever wondered how people wind up in abusive family relationships and how previously confident people transform into meek shadows of their former selves, you’ll gain insight by reading this book. If you weren’t already convinced how calculated and methodical perpetrators are in the execution of the physical and psychological beating down of their victims, here is a great example.

I spent so much time wondering why Cynthia Galbraith was in prison in the first place while reading When Evil Calls Your Name. Surely after the events described in White is the Coldest Colour Cynthia is due for some good fortune. I wondered about the competency of her legal team. The crime she committed seemed as though it should come under the banner of self defence or diminished responsibility.

The more I read though, the more I wondered about her complicity in the atrocities committed by her husband. Does being a victim excuse you from being responsible when you know or at least strongly suspect something heinous is happening in your home? If it’s hidden in plain sight does that give you permission to ignore and deny its presence? At what point does your inaction become criminal?

While not an easy read I found this book easier to digest than the details of Dr Galbraith’s crimes and thought processes of the first book in the series. You could read When Evil Calls Your Name without having already read White is the Coldest Colour but I’d personally recommend reading them in order to get the most out of them. I already had thoughts about Cynthia’s character going into this book and found it interesting to confirm some thoughts and discard others.

Transported from the prison of her home where we left her in White is the Coldest Colour to three years into her sixteen year sentence at White Haven Women’s Prison at the beginning of this book, we uncover the events that led her to White Haven by accessing her therapeutic journal and we also learn about her time behind bars. I appreciated that Cynthia’s story was not sugarcoated. I felt the claustrophobia of her cell and her continued torment as she relived the traumas she experienced through nightmares and recollections. There’s no magical transformation. Instead we see firsthand how the years of abuse continue to be caustic to Cynthia’s self esteem and identity.

I will quibble about the use of the word ‘monster’ to describe Dr Galbraith and those of his ilk. While it’s certainly convenient and comfortable to label such depravity monstrous but I am not inclined to use that term myself as the label implies they are less than human. If we strip these people of their humanity are we then saying what they did was in their nature, they had no choice and are therefore not responsible for their actions?

Make no mistake; they are human, despite how much we’d prefer to dissociate from them. They are fallible and disgusting humans who make conscious decisions to enforce their will on others, but humans nonetheless. In a way I’m disappointed that the early life of Dr Galbraith has not been explored in the first two books in this series as I would be interested in knowing if there were experiences or behaviour in his childhood that signalled the way his life would unfold.

I don’t want to, and will never, understand why he does what he does other than the desire for power and control. I’m certainly not seeking to excuse anything he’s inflicted on any of his victims but I found it so interesting watching Cynthia’s story unfold that I wonder what I’d feel if I learned more about him.

The much needed update regarding the Mailer family from the first book was welcome but did come across as too simplistic and easy for my liking. The information about the Mailer’s and the final session with Cynthia’s prison counsellor seemed a tad rushed so I was thankful for the epilogue.

I found it interesting that in both books the children in the Galbraith family were largely unseen and silent. I could soliloquise about the silencing of children who grow up in violent homes but instead I’ll just say that, whether this was the author’s intention or not, I noticed and appreciated the authenticity this added to the family dynamics.

I don’t think this book could ever have been as gripping as the first in the series, with its police and child protection investigations and threat of imminent danger to the various victims. However the story this book told was captivating in its own right and I’m looking forward to reading the rest of John Nicholl’s books.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Bloodhound Books for introducing me to this brilliant author. I’d give this book 4.5 stars if possible but as it’s not I’m rounding up.

Great quality reading I really like John's stories. I bought the original book before Bloodhound Books took over. I'm looking forward to seeing what John brings out next

Thanks to Netgalley for my copy.

A very good sequel to White is the coldest colour. This is the story of Cynthia the wife of the evil psychiatrist David. The book is told in the form of a diary and slowly reveals how Cynthia becomes involved with David and how she becomes totally dominated by him.

I think the author captured how a young naive emotional girl can be swept off her feet and seduced by an older charismatic man and become completely dependent and terrified of him. The portrayal of Cynthia in prison and how she comes to terms with her life before and after the death of her husband is powerful and emotional.

This story follows on from White Is The Coldest Colour, (my review) and is from the viewpoint of Cynthia who now lives in prison. Her story is told via a journal that her counsellor has advised she writes.

Please read the first book before you start this one.

This answers so many questions I had about Cynthia. I was frustrated with her character, but this one is her account of her life as a child, through university and how she met David Galbraith and how he completely destroyed any control she had over any decision, he controlled her and others around her. This is a really addictive read, and as you learn about Cynthia’s life you realise how she was manipulated so convincingly. But also you see how she is starting to make steps towards standing up for herself, no longer wanted to be a victim.

This story really plays on how a master manipulator plays on the vulnerabilities and insecurities of a person until they become a shadow of their former selves. Because of the writing style it has a very believable feel to it, that personal account adds the perfect touch to the realism of the story.

In comparison to the first book it does differ quite a lot. Even though it has a dark psychology theme, it is not as the dark and twisted as the first book. It is an addictive read and a great follow on story. A book I would recommend to those who like to read a psychological thriller from the perspective of the victim who was unaware she was being manipulated.

As the sequel to White is the Coldest Colour, When Evil Calls your Name picks up a couple of years later. Cynthia is in prison. After given an assignment from her therapist to write in a journal, the truth finally comes out about her past with the evil Dr. Galbraith.

While reading the prequel I didn’t like the character of Cynthia. I viewed her as weak. However, after reading this book I now have an understanding of what happened to her.

The author does a great job in this book describing the true evil that lurks in Dr. Galbraith. This time we see it played upon Cynthia. The writing is raw, the emotions are real and very in your face.

I loved the outcome of Cynthia, especially her bravery. She overcame a life of manipulation and horror.

I would recommend reading the prequel before this one though. Another great book by John Nicholl!

5☆ Another Fab book by John Nicholls

 When Evil Calls Your Name is the Sequel to White is the Coldest Colour.

This time we are exploring Cynthia's journal and life and her lead up to prison and her story whilst in prison. We also get a very detailed look into her life growing up to adulthood.

It's a raw and emotional account of how she sees herself, her emotional scars, how even though her abusive sick husband is no longer alive he is still in her head abusing her after years of torment and abuse.
Will she ever be free!!!

 Cynthia is serving 13years in jail for murdering her abusive sadistic paedophile husband.
She is now 29years old and has already served 3years.

 Cynthia is attending sessions with the prison counsellor who has set her a task. To keep a journal.
She is to Write down her inner most secret thoughts and the things she has been too scared to vocalise.
Her Counsellor Mrs  Mary Martin insists that in doing so this will help her become free and will help her come to terms with her past.
She hopes that by Cynthia noting her inner thoughts it might help ease her nightmares, her invasive thoughts and flashbacks.

As we plow through Cynthia's story it did feel like it became disjointed and sketchy at times.
But I do believe that this made it feel real. After all we are literally hearing the story in first person.
Memories do sometimes become disjointed especially if you are writing from free hand. So I did appreciate John's authentic style.

As the story progressed we see how Cythina is drawn into an abusive relationship and how deeper and deeper his control over her becomes dangerous. Drugging and raping her, stopping her seeing her parents. The split personality that lulls her into a false sense of security.

The story really gets gritty about 40% in.
I think it's here I was hooked. It's often a  dark account but well written.
A story that has to be told!

This isn't a standalone story but it does clear up alot of unanswered questions about how a wife can literally be so clueless of her husband's sadistic desires. Or is she clueless... all will be revealed!!

John has written another fabulous book. He has become one of my favourite Authors. This book is very different to the other books but it's equally as harrowing.
Stick with it it does get better!

This is the third book that I have read by this author and he is fast becoming one of my favourites - I love his writing style and his books are darker psychological thrillers that draw you in and this one was no different.

Again the subject of this book, which is the follow up to the very disturbing White is the Coldest Colour is very dark and the story covers a wide range of subjects that a lot of authors would shy away from but they are dealt with very well and they are needed to give the book such a dramatic quality and ending.

Cynthia is a fascinating character and I am so glad that she got to have her own book to tell her story! You really do need to read this first book before you pick up this one - it contains spoilers and flows straight on but I can assure you that the first book is definitely worth it!

Another five star review from me for this one - it really is a very, very good read that is very dark and disturbing - and I loved it!

White is the Coldest Colour has been one of my top reads of the year so far so I couldn’t wait to get stuck into the second in this series When Evil Calls Your Name. Wow, what a read this was. Do bear in mind that it does follow on from the first so to get the full picture start with the first! While this book does come after the events of the first book, I’d say it’s more of a companion novel rather than a sequel.

We meet Cynthia Galbraith who we first met in White is the Coldest Colour and this is her story. I didn’t like Cynthia before going into this book but after learning about her and her past I feel so sorry for her, I just want to wrap her in a big hug. She has been through hell and with every page that went past my heart was breaking. Throughout the book, it was emotional, shocking and it genuinely disturbed me that even though Cynthia is fictional, John in his line of work has probably met many women like her. It’s this realness that John adds to his writing and has brought life into Cynthia.

John has written this in a different style which I loved. We really got into Cynthia’s mind as she poured her heart out into writing about what has happened to her and why she is like she is. At first, I wasn’t sure about the style but after the first few chapters I was hooked.

This read is dark, disturbing and has been written with John’s brilliant writing style. I was on the edge of my seat throughout and I couldn’t put this addictive book down. Another fabulous book by John, I’m looking forward to reading more from him.

Cynthia's life started well. She loved school and happily went off to university to study the law. There she met her first love and soon they were living together and talking about marriage. But tragedy struck. On the weekend they went so he could meet her family, he was struck while running in a hit and run accident that took his life. Cynthia was shocked and stunned by grief. Her family did what they could but she couldn't find her motivation to go back and take up her life.

That is, until she met Dr. David Galbraith. They met at the funeral and he explained that he was one of her boyfriend's professors in the field of social work and child psychology. He was very kind and helpful and before Cynthia knew it, she had agreed to go back to school and to change her major to the one Dr. Galbraith instructed. He arranged everything, her classes, her living arrangements, her food and rent. Soon he was the most important person in her life.

Now, six years later, Cynthia is in prison for twenty years for murder. She doesn't understand how she got there and her counselor suggests that she write a journal of her life. As she does, the reader starts to understand along with her how she got there and how her life turned into such a nightmare.

This is the second novel in the Dr. David Galbraith series and a more controlling, evil character would be hard to imagine. The author, John Nicholl, was a police officer and a child protection social worker. His background makes him the perfect person to write about this character. The reader is drawn into Cynthia's dark world and sees it constricting week after week as her dependence on Galbraith grows. This book is recommended for thriller readers.

I'm excited to be sharing my review of When Evil Calls Your Name today as part of the blog tour. It's written with thanks to Sarah Hardy at Bloodhound Books for inviting me on the tour and for my copy of the book through Netgalley.
Cynthia Galbraith is serving a life sentence. When the prison counsellor suggests that she begins writing a journal, she is sceptical, but quickly comes round to the idea, documenting her life before her sentence and the events that led to it. What happened to Cynthia?
I reviewed Nicholl's short story, Bully Boy Blue last year, and was interested to see how his writing would translate to a full length novel. I was not disappointed! When Evil Calls Your Name is incredibly compelling and I was gripped the whole way through.
When Evil Calls Your Name is written in the form of Cynthia's journal, and as such, the majority of it is addressed to her counsellor in the second person. The use of the second person gave the novel a conversational tone, and made me feel as though the journal (and all the personal information in it) was addressed to me. This helped me to empathise with Cynthia and understand what made her tick.
Cynthia and David's relationship is deeply unsettling, and I was disturbed by the way that David managed to get inside Cynthia's head. Sadly, I'm sure this is reflective of many real life abusive relationships, and in David, Nicholl has created a monster. Each time he spoke to Cynthia, he made my skin crawl and I wanted to shake my Kindle in anger and frustration.

Continuing from where White is the Coldest colour .....Yes you must read book one first! Check out my review here http://chellesbookreviews.blogspot.co.uk/2018/04/white-is-coldest-colour-by-john-nicholl.html So in book two we catch up with twenty nine year old Cynthia Galbraith.



Telling her story has she struggles to come to terms with her traumatic past and prison life. Hold nothing back talking about her parents, life when she was younger and of course Dr David Galbraith....the sicko pedophile who she married leading up to her life prison sentence.



I was totally sucked into Cynthia’s journey and felt like it was just me and her in prison with her telling me the story face to face.You can feel the emotion and tension in the author’s writing making me feel sympathetic for her but at the same time wanting to know more. The suspense in this story was killing me. At the end of the day she is in prison for a reason put you cant help but feel for her not having the best life.



Once again this book won't be for everyone with the uncomfortable subject matter. But sensitivity is show throughout the author's writing. This is an excellent written story. I cannot begin to tell you what a brilliant job John has done of portraying the emotions of a female character and it come across over really powerful. Which I found rather fascinating . I would say that this comes with the experience he has, had working has a police officer and also a child protection officer.



The story unravels at a nice steady pace then boom... it picks up speed when everything is tied together and all our questions are answered. OMG what a book....I absolutely loved it. Which I recommend giving it all the stars!

; When Evil Calls Your Name cannot be read as a standalone, this is book two in the Dr David Galbraith series and would ruin the first book (White is the Coldest Colour) if not read in order. I did find it took a while to get going for this story as Cynthia introduces herself, her location and her family members before the story is told.

Cynthia is telling her story through writing a journal/memoir in prison and I found that her character does veer off throughout straying from the story but that is just her character. I can’t say too much about this story without ruining it for readers who haven’t read book one. It is very different from book one but nevertheless another brilliant story that I devoured.

This story is easy to read, fast paced and contains short chapters. Hard to put down… I awarded a well deserved four stars and I am loving this authors stories! I look forward to reading more by this author in the future and would highly recommend this series to you all.

I’m literally bursting with excitement over John Nicholls newest book When Evil Calls Your Name, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on a copy and it didn’t disappoint in fact I could scream and shout about how much I revelled in this immense psychological thriller.

First and foremost the most important thing is to read the first book White Is The Coldest Colour as this is the start of the Dr David Galbraith Series, its imperative you do so as the two books link together.

Now lets get down to it….

John sets off in a very different direction when writing When Evil Calls your Name, I wondered if it was for me, I can hold my hands up and say I was unsure to begin with, but my doubts were unfounded. The book unfolds with Cynthia incarcerated for murder, there was the first OMG for me, why, she had nothing do with it all she was a victim.

John has written in the first person with Cynthia writing a diary of how she came to be in prison, from meeting Galbraith until her current situation. I couldn’t fathom how such a bubbly outgoing personality could be intimidated and coerced into becoming a person with no control over her life. Really felt like screaming at Cynthia to stop falling for his lies and to fight for her sense of worth. Galbraith a predator, takes all Cynthia’s worth and destroys her very soul.

When reading the first book in the series White Is The Coldest Colour, nothing much was conveyed of Cynthia, Galbraith was the headline act in the first but in taking on the second in the series, its been an eye opener finding out about Cynthia. I thoroughly enjoyed looking at how a person can be easily fooled by persuasion, a little flirting and complementary comments went along way to bring about Cynthia’s downfall.

Once finished reading When Evil Calls Your Name, I sat with a smug smile on my face thinking we got you Galbraith, but then I thought where next, what has John Nicholl got planned for us next…….. will there be more, what’s the possibilities.

Thanks go to Bloodhound Books, John Nicholl and Sarah Hardy for an advanced readers copy of When Evil Calls Your Name to read in exchange for an honest review. I look to forward to whatever John has in store for us next.