The Doctor

The start of a dark, gripping crime thriller series from UK Top 50 bestselling author John Nicholl

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.

Get ready to be on the edge of your seat and delve into this addictively shocking crime thriller series. Perfect for fans of The Housemaid, The Girl on the Train, and The Couple at No.9.

Praise for John Nicholl:

‘A dark, gritty, and compulsive read’ Daily Express

'The chill is tangible' Owen Mullen

'A frightening book that lures us into the darkness where monsters live. John Nicholl's knowledge of this world from his years of police work makes his characters ring true' Billy Hayes

‘An outstanding piece of work by a truly masterful storyteller’ Anita Waller

'Dark and disturbing. One to really get your pulse racing. This is a story you won't forget' Ross Greenwood

‘The hairs on the back of my neck are still up!… Makes your skin quiver… I was well and truly hooked… The twist had my mouth dropping and rereading twice!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review

‘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’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review

‘I was hooked… Will leave you with shivers down your spine and chills in your heart. Some of the twists in this book left my jaw on the floor. And the ending blew me away. Outstanding!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review

‘A real psychological thriller with a dark side. Creepy, chilling with undertones of something darker. At times I had goosebumps on my goosebumps. I found this book impossible to put down and finally turned the last page at 1am. Yes. This book is that good!!!… MUST READ!!!!!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review

‘Absolutely brilliant… Immensely readable… Gripping… Never slows down at all’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review

‘A completely unputdownable psychological suspense thriller that reeled me in right from the very start. The twists left me speechless. I did gasp out loud at the ending which I thought was brilliant' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review

Previously published as White is the Coldest Colour