Member Reviews
Book 1 of a trilogy, Dr David Galbraith, inspired by true events this is a truly horrific story of child abuse, torture and murder. Set in South Wales Dr David Galbraith is 58 years old and employed as a Consultant Child Psychiatrist by South Wales Department of Child, Adolescent and Family Psychiatry. He is also a full time leader of a paedophile ring, torturer and murderer as well as a wife beater. He loves both of his jobs!! The opening chapter of this book is as dark and chilling as any I’ve read.
Briefly, Galbraith turns his eyes on Anthony Morton, a 7 year old boy traumatised by his parents separation. His family is referred to the good Doctor for counselling but Galbraith has only one thing on his mind. The police and social services become aware of the ring through other childrens reports. However, as they move very slowly forward in their investigations the Doctor takes matters into his own hands.
I did enjoy this authors writing style, it’s eminently readable. Galbraith is just an evil character he is written so well I almost believed he was real! This is a shocking story with an even more shocking ending but once started it was compulsive reading. The book does come with a warning ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dr David Galbraith is a well respected child psychologist. He also happens to be a predatory paedophile. Galbraith latest victim is 7 year old Anthony Mailer who is struggling since he dad moved out after he was caught having an affair. Anthony is referred to Galbraith who is too keen to have Anthony as a patient. He has a disturbing alternative motive. Galbraith snatches Anthony and the police are against to clock to find out who has taken him before it is too late.
This is part 1 of a series and seems to be key to the subsequent parts. An enjoyable but also disturbing read. The book is so well written that Galbraith character really gets under you skin and you want to save all his victims.
Wow.... this is dark! I have a strong stomach but getting through this book was a struggle. It is very very disturbing and written so detailed and realistically that it will cause a fully body reaction for most people. These are not images anyone would ever want in their mind so be prepared. I did skip over a few bits and from the opening page, it let's you know exactly what your in for.
It's a really well written book with terrifying characters and a very dark subject matter. The quality of the writing is what makes it so impactful. If you do manage to get through it then you are quickly hooked and won't be able to put it down. I'm really split be a use it is well written and really gets under your skin, the characters are so 3 dimensional and realistic and you just don't have any idea what's going ti happen next..... but ..... its not just a dark subject matter, its so graphic and shocking that it will trigger a lot of people so ah dunno.
I am excited for the next book and hopefully it's as well written and captivating but a tad less traumatising
I have read all of John’s books, to say I have enjoyed them all is poor choice of words - the subject matter John writes about isn’t enjoyable, it’s downright shocking and sickening, but the book is written in a way that absorbs me completely from beginning to end - I feel sympathy, compassion, anger, and disgust along the way.
Dr David Galbraith has to be one of the most repulsive villains I have read about – just the thought of him makes my skin crawl! Everything about him, from his smarmy manner, trendy dress-sense, and intense exercise routine - I truly wanted to see him get his comeuppance…
A brilliant read (not for the fainthearted). I am now moving straight onto the next instalment in this series – ‘The Wife’.
When seven year old Anthony’s parents split up, he starts to struggle. His GP refers him to child psychiatrist, Dr David Galbraith, who unbeknown to many, is a paedophile. Using his position of trust to cover his sick ways, he is a man to be feared.
I can’t sugar-coat it, this book is not an easy read, in fact, it is downright disturbing and makes you really stop and think. If you can’t trust those in authority, then who on earth can you trust?
How some of these people prey on children and manipulate the families is shocking. Knowing the author is an ex child protection social worker, makes this book all the more haunting because you know it’s based on fact.
Although this was a difficult subject to read, I found I couldn’t put the book down. I needed to know how it was going to end and if he got caught - I’m not giving you any answers though!
My thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
The doctor by John Nicholl.
The Galbraith Series Book 1.
Be careful who you trust.
The Mailer family are oblivious to the terrible danger that enters 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 Georgian 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.
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.
Omg. Couldn't put it down. Definitely recommend if you can read it. He was evil. Sensitive content. 5
#TheDoctor reads like a true crime novel! I was obsessed with this book and couldn't put it down. Great and enthralling read
BOOK REVIEW
Review for 'The Doctor' by John Nicholl.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for John Nicholl and Boldwood publishers.
Publication date 27th July 2022
This is the second book I have read by this author. I have previously read 'Killing Evil' which I would also highly recommend. This book is the first 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 book called 'Killing Evil' and if this is half as good as that 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 50 chapters. 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 third person perspective and the main protagonist is Dr David Galbraith, Molly, Cynthia, Detective Constable Jane Pritchard. 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.
'The Doctor' 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. I would recommend this to readers 18 + only.
OMG!!!! John Nicholl where have you been all my life!!!! 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!!! However, please be warned this book is NOT for the faint hearted!!
The book is written perfectly and with such vivid descriptions it really feels that you are in the room right next to each of the protagonists. is sitting next to you telling you what is happening while she is doing it. It really immerses the reader into the storyline. This is very hard to achieve correctly but John absolutely smashed it!!! The title and synopsis suit the storyline perfectly.
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, gore, abuse 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 and worrying. The fact that this book is based on a true story is extremely sad but the truth is Dr Galbraith is just a drop in the ocean of monsters in this world. The storyline is, very sadly and sickening, based on events that happen daily all over the world. It deals with child abuse, paedophile rings and domestic abuse so it is quite hard reading at times. If you are going to read it you are best seeing it as completely fiction until the end. It really is not for the light hearted. The fact that John used to work in child protection has definitely shown in the writing of this book as you can see there has been alot of knowledge/ research put into it. It is a pet hate of mine when I read a fiction or non fiction books filled with errors that would have been easily avoided with just some research. This book will take you on a rollercoaster ride of sadness, fear, tension, suspense and much more. I was so immersed in reading this book that I caught myself gritting my teeth on several occasions for different reasons. I wanted to shout at Molly to cancel the sessions, scream at the police for missing certain things and protect Anthony. This book is filled with a parents worse nightmare and shows how easynit can be for someone who is meant to be in a trusted position to manipulate not only children but the parents too.
Dr David Galbriath is the most sickening, twisted and evil monster I have ever met in a lifetime of reading. David's 'skills' of manipulation, coercion and exploitation are unmatched in any other fictional antagonist. There were so many victims left scarred by him, not just the children but his wife who he treated absolutely appallingly. I have never met a creature (I won't say man as he is anything but) treat his wife so despicably, ever!! I had mixed emotions about Cynthia but she was a victim in this also. David's personality, for me, is made even creepier in the fact that when he talks to himself he does it in third person perspective 'Come on, man'.
This book is a mother's worse nightmare and you will need a strong stomach to read it. Again, it is not for the light hearted. However, it is a book that should be read by any parent as it shows the inside of a sick man's mind and how he worked which may help you and your child in the future.
This book is one of those rare ones that will stay with me for a very very long time!!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 absolutely epic novel and welcome to my favourite authour list!!! Looking forward to reading your next page turner and the next book in this gripping series!
Overall a unputdownable, heart racing, nail biting and addictive psychological thriller
Genres covered in this novel include Thriller, Suspense, Psychological Thriller, Mystery, Psychological Counselling, Adolescent Psychology, Allied Health Professions and Crime Thriller amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as Charlie Gallagher, Mark Edwards and just absolutely every parent out there as well as non parents, everyone should read this book!!
340 pages.
This book is just 99p to purchase on kindle via Amazon 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.
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The Mailer family are oblivious to the terrible danger that enters 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 Georgian 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.
Phew! John Nicholl is firing out books faster than I can read them! “The Doctor” is the first book in The Galbraith Series, of which there a following two thrillers after this initial one. This book is very evocative; it will give you a roller coaster ride of emotions as you read. It is disturbing, challenging and gripping. We gain access to the darkest corners of the human mind. Galbraith is a well-respected child psychiatrist. And he is a pedophile who uses his position and power to gain access to his victims. This book is full of great characterization but especially Galbraith is disturbingly believable. The master of deception, his inner conflict and his way of sugarcoating really gave me all the chilly feels. The very descriptive, almost analyzing styles adds to make this dark, suspenseful and intense. It’s not an easy read but we don’t live in an easy world. I’m very much looking forward to the next book in this series.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an arc in exchange for an unbiased review.
The Mailer family are oblivious to the terrible danger that enters 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 Georgian 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.
Highly recommend this book it’s so well written
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 White is the Coldest Colour*
I just reviewed The Doctor by John Nicholl. #TheDoctor #NetGalley
I really, really enjoyed reading this book! It was enthralling and kept me on my toes the whole time!
A fast-paced thriller with plenty of action and colorful characters.
Thank you to John Nicholl, NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC of this book
This book was sent to me by Netgalley for review…dark and despairing..characters who are sad while others are not likable…reads like true crime…trusting others when they should not be trusted…this is a difficult book to get through…
Extremely disturbing. Not just the pedophilia, obviously I knew that going in. But the MC's repeated use of bitch and nonstop vitriol of women was too much for me. Interesting in theory, but too much to handle. We get it, he's hates women!!!
This book made me cringe at first as the abuse of children is not something I want to read about but once I got further into it I just wanted Galbraith to get his comeuppance.
Molly and Mike have separated and their son Anthony is struggling to cope so their Dr recommends some sessions with psychiatrist Dr Galbraith.
Never have I shouted at a book so much as I really didn’t want this to happen but the appointment goes ahead. The first appointment is fine as the whole family are there but it’s the second one that really made me worry.
A paeodophile ring has been identified though and Galbraith is part of it so again I was just hoping he would get caught.
Something shocking then happens to the family and it’s a real race against time to bring Anthony to safety.
This is a gruesome read and is uncomfortable at times but I would recommend it.
I was asked by the author, John Nicholl, if I would be interested in reading his debut novel, previously published as “White is the Coldest Colour”, and now published as The Doctor, a dark psychological suspense thriller..
Upon further investigation, I went to review his profile, and was impressed with his background as an ex police officer and child protection social worker, manager and trainer, and felt that while this was a piece of fiction, his expertise and experiences would provide greater depth to the novel. I was drawn to the cover of a little boy…so sad.
Dr. Galbraith worked at the South Wales Department of Child, Adolescent and Family Psychiatry, as a consultant child psychiatrist. But this guy lived a double life…he was a pedophile a sexual predator and killer. He had already murdered one child in the soundproofed cellar below his town-house he shares with his wife and two young daughters.
“All that mattered was silencing the victims, effectively concealing any evidence, and not getting caught.”
The book contains material some may find upsetting, and is not for the faint-hearted, but is not excessive in nature.
The Mailer family come in contact with this monster, when their seven-year-old Anthony is referred to the child guidance center, following the breakdown of his parents’ marriage. Anthony blamed himself for his parent’s break up, and suffered from behavioral problems.
The monster referred to his victims as “little Bastards”, and all women as “Bitches”. All the women in this novel are portrayed as weak, controlled morons, with no backbone. His strategy was one of constant criticism, punishments and fault-finding, and always had to be kept in line. He knew the art of manipulation. I wanted to shake these women and tell them to wake up, but I recognized they were all terrified of him.
This book allows the reader to get inside this monsters’ head, his thought process, and manipulative methods. John Nicholl’s extensive experience provides credibility to this piece of fiction. It is so hard to believe that this is his debut novel! An Amazing piece of work, and another one of the best novels I have read in 2015!