I really enjoyed reading this book. Although it is fiction you can relate this to be based on a true crime. The characters were credible and the author had clearly done research on the subject matter. This is book one and I'm looking forward to reading the next installment to find out what happens next.

This book isn’t for the faint of heart, and at times is disturbing, but the book description gives potential readers an absolutely accurate forecast of the type of read it will be and what the main character is like. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book in which I loathe the character as much as I hated Dr. Galbraith. And for that, this book is worthy of a full 5 stars.. He is pure evil (narcissistic sociopathic female hating child psychologist using his position to groom and abuse children) and he has hateful thoughts and actions towards everyone in the book. I was pulled in from the very first pages and became fully invested in the story and I just couldn’t stop reading to find out how it would end. I’ll definitely read the other books in this series.
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for this e-ARC!

The Doctor by John Nicholl was one of the best books I have read this year!!!! and is the first book in this dark psychological suspense novel in the Dr. Galbraith and D.I. Gravel series. But, be warned its not for the fainted hearted!!! This is about child sex abuse, paedophiles, This latest book has a very dark start, that will give you goose bumps and you may think "Shall I carry on reading this new book by John?" But, don't let this put you off, The Doctor was just Brilliant!! and I was gripped from the beginning till the end.

The Mailer family needs help with their young son Anthony. who is seven years old. He is having problems dealing with the separation of his parents, and they are very worried about him. So they go to their family GP, he recommends for all the family to see a Child Psychiatrist for help and advise.

So their GP recommends Dr David Galbraith, who is a fifty-eight years old and is a Child Psychiatrist seems to be perfect and excellent at his profession. He is married to Cynthia and he mentally tortures and controls everyday. They have two daughters
But he has a very dark secret side..........he is a sadistic, predatory paedophile and he Loves Boys!!! and refers to all his victims - as “little Bastards”, All women as “Bitches”.and all the women within this book are all portrayed as weak,
He has already murdered one child in the soundproofed cellar below the South Wales Georgian townhouse. WoW!!!!!

Anthony has now become Doctor Galbraith's latest obsession and he will stop at nothing to make his grotesque fantasies reality.

But, Be careful who you trust.

Will the Anthony Mailer become his next victim!!!! WoW......This book was a great page turner and os full of big Twists and turns throughout.!!!!!!! But be warned not for the fainted hearted!!!! I highly recommend this book

The Doctor was called White is the Coldest Colour

You send your 7 year old son to a child psychiatrist to help him deal with his mom and dad splitting up. What you don’t know is that the doctor is a pedophile. Every parent’s worse nightmare! The first chapter was hard to read and I didn’t know if I could continue…but of course, I did finish this book. Had me wondering every step of the way. Will they catch the pedophile before he hurts his next victim? Will anyone be held accountable for this? Disturbing subject matter but it had an easy writing style that kept me guessing and waiting. A good solid book. I’d definitely read another book by this author.

Anthony Mailer's parents have separated and, like his mother Molly, he's not taking it well. His GP refers him to a psychiatrist, Dr Galbraith, for treatment, but the Galbraith has other motivations for seeing Anthony. When Molly cancels the third appointment, Galbraith is sufficiently angry to break into Molly's house, beat her unconscious and abduct Anthony.

The book built to a satisfying ending but the story as a whole felt more like a mildly-fictionalised account of a real event or a collection of snippets of real events. As such, it tended to be mostly one-dimensional plot and insufficient character development. For example, as a work of fiction, it would have benefitted from more about the Doctor's background, i.e. why was he as he was. There's a dark story to be told there.

Read with caution, as the blurb suggests the content of this book are highly sensitive. Upon reading the first chapter I didn't know if I would be able to stomach the rest of the book as it starts from the disgusting, horrendous, pedophilic Dr. Galbraith's point of view. To be fair, I had to put the book down a couple of times as the subject is so hard to read about, nonetheless it is so well done that I silmutaneously wanted to pick it back up immediately! I am looking forward to reading book two (as this seems to be the first of a series) and hopefully see more focus on the characters. This one was fast paced and engaging but I feel like a second opus would require more depth.
I wasn't surprised to find out that the author is an ex police officer and worked for children services as the bits relating to the investigation were the best done parts in my opinion. Seemed very realistic and it brought light to some amazing jobs done in this line of work that isn't talked about enough!

I highly recommend this book to any thrill seeking readers out there who feel they can stomach it! Might be a good choice for holiday reading as it isn't too long but still will make you think, perhaps even question the people around you..

The Galbraith Series Book 1

The Mailer family are oblivious to the terrible danger that enter their lives when seven year old Anthony is referred to the child guidance service by the family GP following the breakdown of his parents' marriage. Fifty eight year old Dr David Galbraith, a sadistic, predatory paedophile employed as a consultant child psychiatrist, has already murdered one child in the soundproofed cellar below the South Wales townhouse he shares with his wife and two young daughters. Anthony becomes Galbraith's latest obsession and he will stop at nothing to make his grotesque fantasies reality.

I really don't know where to start writing this review. There were parts of this story that made me feel sick. but then one part, near the end, had me rejoicing. Galbraith is not just a psychiatrist, he's also a paedophile, a bully, and a wife beater as well. Galbraith could be a Dr in any practice or hospital anywhere in the world. The book is disturbing from the first few pages but it's not graphic. I was desperate for the police to find Anthony before Galbraith got his mucky hands on him. Be warned, this story is haunting and harrowing, but it's also well written. gripping and believable. The characters are well fleshed out and believable. The story is easy to follow even though the content is heavy going. I think Galbraith is one of the most evil characters I've ever come across and I hope I ever come across his like again. I so want to jump into the next book in this series, The Wife, now nut I need to finish the rest of this months books first before I do.

I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #JohnNicholl for my ARC of #TheDoctor in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you for providing me with an ARC to review.

I knew this book would be focused on a very difficult story and knew to brace myself for what was to come.

The first page hits you like a damn freight train. I've read some dark books but straight away I thought oh god what have I got myself into.

The subject matter is very uncomfortable but the story itself is written well sometimes it tends to feel repetitive a little, but I don’t know if that was just me and my preferences.

The Doctor is a disgusting, sadistic, sicko who graved on my nerves with how cocky he was, which works well because you hate him even more, but I'm surprised he didn't start humping the mirror when he looked in it.

I found him to be waaaaay over the top as well, to the point that it took me out of the story.

Firstly, it is important to note that this book comes with major TRIGGER WARNINGS for child abuse, child exploitation, paedophilia, domestic violence and torture. There is the brief mention of the murder of animals but it is very very minimal and mentioned just in passing.

THE DOCTOR is not a book for everyone and it is most definitely not to everyone's taste. It is dark, very disturbing and incredibly chilling. It is not an easy book to read. But it is engrossing, eye-opening and heartwrenching at the same time, tackling a topic that is a societal taboo.

When reading, there are always villains you love to hate. But in this case, you want the villain to suffer as much as possible in the slowest way possible before his eventual demise. David Galbraith is quite honestly the most repulsive, repugnant and despicable character I have ever come across. Many characters get under my skin...but this guy not only got under my skin, but burrowed his way and stayed there until the final glorious page.

We are thrust headlong into a confronting scene from the very first page as we meet the illustrious and well-respected child psychiatrist Dr David Galbraith. But he is also a narcissistic, sociopathic, sadistic and violent paedophile. Within the first pages we meet the real "Doctor" as he basks in reliving the memory of his abuse of young boys, many of whom come through his clinic. He is but a small part of an even bigger network branching out from his corner of Wales throughout the rest of the UK, but operating under the radar of the police and the wider community who see only what he wants them to see. He has terrorised his wife of less than a decade, Cynthia, into submission as well as his two daughters who he merely refers to as "brats", never allowing them to leave the house...and fearing reprisal if they do. He refers to his devoted secretary as the "moronic bitch" while his wife is "the useless bitch".

In his profession as child psychiatrist, Galbraith uses his position of power to groom and abuse young boys who come under his care. We get an even greater glimpse into his predatory behaviour when he meets seven year old Anthony Mailer, who has been referred to him to help come to terms with his parents' separation. But Galbraith has plans for Anthony and nothing will stand in the way of his evil intentions.

The story takes an interesting twist with the shifting perspectives as the Doctor soon becomes the focus of a police operation looking to apprehend those involved in his ring, affectionately termed "pet club". But do the police have enough to arrest him? Or will the Doctor's arrogance serve him well?

As the reader, we are always one step ahead of investigators and even Galbraith while at the same time wondering where it is all going to end. As much as I loathed Galbraith his character is extremely impressive and the portrayal of his two faces is done well, as uncomfortable as it is to read in part. He most obviously hates women as his internal monologue continues to refer to them as "bitches" and never by their names, as if by doing so he strips them of their identities. To him, they are nothing; they mean nothing. They are a means to an end; a tool he uses to hide his true nature behind; and to serve him by any means required. He displays a complete lack of empathy or emotion and is a narcissistic monster who sees himself as superior to everyone.

The story itself feels shockingly realistic, thanks to the author's own experiences as a police officer as well as in the child protection field. The opening chapter is extremely confronting but at the same time not overly graphic. Nicholl has used a careful narrative to paint the disturbing images without actually doing so, making the inference clear but not graphic. It is, quite honestly, one of the most chilling books I've read in a long time.

There is so much involved in this story and although you knew exactly what was happening, you are still completely riveted to the page and unable to stop reading. Watching all the pieces come together for the final showdown had the adrenaline pumping...and then that ending! It came as a real twist that had me wanting to start the sequel "The Wife" right away.

Confronting yet compelling, THE DOCTOR is a dark and disturbing read that is chilling and is not for the fainthearted. Those who enjoy fast-paced psychological thrillers that are dark and gritty in nature will love this book.

I would like to thank #JohnNicholl, #NetGalley and #BoldwoodBooks for an ARC of #TheDoctor in exchange for an honest review.

This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.

Loved this and think that Dr Galbraith has to be the worst villain ever!….such dark matter but oh so addictive, read the second one too and just downloaded the 3rd in series…bloody brilliant!

I’d like to thank Boldwood Books and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘The Doctor’ written by John Nicholl that was previously published in 2018 under the title ‘White Is The Coldest Colour’, in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

The behaviour of seven-year-old Anthony Mailer has regressed since his parents separated and when his mother consults their GP he’s offered help at the Child Guidance Clinic. But his mother is unaware that he’s being referred to well-respected Dr David Galbraith who secretly abducts young boys for his own monstrous fantasies.

I was aware of the subject matter before accepting ‘The Doctor’ to read and review but despite the book being well-written I’ve only got part of the way through before I realise I can’t continue as I’m finding it too upsetting. From reviews I can see I’ll be in the minority but as a grandmother to young boys I’m not able to continue reading. I apologise for not giving a more positive review but readers shouldn’t be put off and need to make up their own minds.

While this book covers a distressing subject, it was very well written and not too graphic. I couldn't put it down. I did think it ended rather abruptly but now realise it is book one of a series. I am eagerly looking forward to the following books in the series. This is a new author for me and one I will definitely recommend.
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this excellent ARC

This book hooks you from page one! It is hands down one of the best psychological thrillers that I have read this year! It is dark but gripping and thrilling! This was my first book by John Nicholl and I am now convinced I need to read his other ones. I will continue the series when it comes out. Put this on your list to read!

Well... I wasn't expecting that!
What a read and definitely not one for the faint hearted.
I read it in just a couple of sittings. It starts with a WOW! and it ends with a WOW!.
Well plotted, intriguing and horrifying in equal measure. A real insightful look inot the mind of depravity

This was, as anticipated from the blurb, extremely dark and rather difficult to read in places, but if you’re prepared for the difficult subject matter then it’s a good read that keeps your attention throughout. Galbraith is well written as an odious character and as a reader you are desperate to see him get his comeuppance. The narrative is paced well to maintain interest and the author does a good job of implying incredibly dark events without the use of gratuitous detail. A good read if you’re prepared for difficult subject matter.

This ARC was provided to me via Kindle, from Boldwood Books and #NetGalley. Thank you for the opportunity to preview and review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

If you like thrillers, settle in and get ready. The Doctor is a fantastic read that takes you on a rollercoaster ride of suspense, mystery, thrills and emotions.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
If you're looking for a dark and gritty series, this is for you. John Nicholl writes with great suspense.
Dr. Galbraith is one sick man. On the outside, he seems like the perfect child psychiatrist. But he has a dark, disturbing side that makes this book hard to put down.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for this eARC.

Wow, wow, wow this is my first read by John Nicholl and if his other books are like this one I’m in for a treat and will be definitely reading them. This was a dark read in parts purely because of the subject matter and gosh I thought this was such a well written book which dealt with sensitive issues really well and thankfully without too much graphic detail. I loathed one or two characters, and was willing on the other characters, especially DI Gravel to find the evidence they needed and put away members of a paedophile ring and get justice for the victims. There are lots of twists in the story, many story threads which I loved, cliff hanger chapter endings that just made me want to carry on reading to see what would happen next .... and for me lots of oh my god moments when reading. I was pulled into the story from the first page and the skilled writing of John Nicholl held my interest from start to finish and I will definitely read the next book The Wife. There are some unresolved questions that I hope are answered in the next book and I think the content of this book will stay with me for a good while.

I have been an avid reader of this author since I found him a few years ago. With this authors background in Child Services his books are not to everyone's taste. The subject matter is disturbing and can be a difficult read but this author deals with this abhorrent subject with sensitivity. Dr David Galbraith a child psychologist is one of the most evil men I have been introduced to fiction. He literally made my skin crawl and I want to have a bath in bleach. Hard hitting, dark and shocking and this is only the first in Galbraith series you have been warned!!!!
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for giving an honest review.

I was well aware of what this was about and I wanted to read it. The writing is brilliant, the subject horrific. I read that the author dedicated it to survivors. This was too far.