A serial killer hones his skills and prepares to create his soulmate from his next choice. Lucy goes about her everyday life, unaware that a killer has her in his sights…
The Cellar is a graphic serial killer novel set in the UK, on the border between England and Wales.
The premise of this book is fascinating. A killer wants a woman to join him on his killing spree and he has chosen artist Lucy. There is a distinctly sinister and ominous tone to the first part of the book as he stalks his prey and kills other women in the meantime. The danger becomes more threatening as he seizes Lucy and holds her captive in the cellar, preparing to indoctrinate her in his heinous ways.
A word of warning: this book is not for the faint hearted. It contains explicit depictions of dismemberment, mistreatment of dead bodies, body disposal and sexual gratification from killing. However, despite the gruesome content, I was completely hooked: revolted by Gove, fearful for Lucy, and totally absorbed in the plot and characters.
Gove has obviously been damaged by his past which would initiate our sympathy if he had not chosen the path of killing others. I was firmly on Lucy’s side as she faces the unthinkable in order to survive. The plot develops as a speedy pace and was tense throughout. I felt that the ending was perhaps a little rushed but it was certainly dramatic!
The Cellar is a disturbing but enthralling serial killer thriller.
The Cellar
Dark, disturbing and gripping. This is not for the faint of heart.
Nurse. Protégé. Murderer.
Marcus Gove has been all these things. He’s reached the pinnacle of his art and now it’s time for him to take a protege. Lovely Lucy is perfect for the role, or she will be . . .
Artist. Teacher. Daughter.
Lucy Williams is just like everyone else. She’s had some success as an artist, not so much success in love, but she’s getting by. But soon she’s going to have to become something else if she wants to be a survivor.
Detective. Ex-husband. Underdog.
Ray Lewis’s career isn’t heading anywhere. But he’s a solid detective and he’s determined to find Lucy no matter what the upper brass throw at him.
Three people. Ten days. Who will live and who will die?
John Nicholl is the bestselling author of numerous psychological thrillers and detective series, previously published by Bloodhound, and inspired by his real-life experience as an ex-police officer and child protection social worker. Boldwood will be publishing the next title in his Galbraith series and a new psychological thriller in autumn 2022, and will be reissuing his bestselling backlist from May 2022.
