This is the third novel in The Galbraith Series, a dark, disturbing psychological thriller where John uses his experience as both a policeman and as the leader of a child protection service to guide his biography. He lives in west Wales and has chosen to use Wales as his setting for this novel. Don’t be put off by the fact that this is the third novel in the series, as John’s novels are always standalone. I must warn you that this novel is deeply steeped with ghastly, evil and shocking behaviour: criminality, wicked ways and is totally abhorrent in its content.
The main character is Anthony Mailer, now a journalist, married to Cynthia and with a young daughter. He has decided to write a book about a terrible time in his life and at last to get what happened off his chest. Indeed he needs to know what actually happened because his parents have never talked to him about it. He was severely damaged as a seven-year-old boy by the man who was supposed to be giving him therapy after his father left his family to live with a younger lady. He remembers seeing a case of abduction and abuse on the TV one evening and puts two and two together, believing he is the boy who had been found in a terrible state after being abducted. The family GP referred the young Tony to Dr David Galbraith, who unknown to anybody else, was the mastermind of an active and huge paedophile ring. He was an active, heinous monster and child abuser and a leading light.
Tony uses his skills as a journalist to arrange a series of harrowing interviews with those professionals involved in his case. He is methodical as he records the information as the interviews starts. He believes this, and this only will help him feel normal and reduce the wretched feelings he has, with untold fear of what might have happened. He believes this and only this can help him rebuild his life as a husband and father and put his mind at rest about what actually happened thirty years ago. I found Tony’s turmoil absolutely heartbreaking.
I read this novel with total disgust about how a small, innocent boy like Tony was ill-treated, threatened and sexually abused. Not only did that upset me, but the fact that the paedophile group had access to so many more young children as well. I felt outraged, horrified and full of empathy with how badly these children suffered and may still be left with PTSD. The storytelling held back on nothing and was totally explicit. I felt profoundly affected by the story and the sure hint that these events happen and are often hidden behind a mask of respectability, fame or even by friends and family. It is so poignant that Tony is desperate to rid himself of what he thinks he knows but cannot be certain if it is the truth.
I like the twists and turns in this story, none more than at the finale of the story, when Tony is completing his novel. He has dedicated it to survivors everywhere. It is a sad society we live in when atrocities like these are in the news so frequently. I received my copy of this novel from publisher Boldwood Books through my membership of NetGalley and in return for an honest review. I will never forget how I feel after reading and now reviewing ‘The Father’. It is one of those stories that are thought-provoking and saddening at the same time. I live in hope of being able to discuss this novel with fellow readers and friends. 4.5* review.

This is the third book in the Doctor Galbraith series. It is a compelling read on such a distressing subject. It may be fiction but you only have to look at newspapers or television news to find out these things do happen. A well written trilogy that will stay with me for a long time .
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC

This book was sent to me by Netgalley for review…it is a book of horror and secrets…I could not finish this book although I tried…terrifying…reads like true crime…the author is gifted at writing a story of this type of crime.

I read the first two books in this series a good few years ago now of which the first book has to be one of the most harrowing and chilling I have ever read. Anthony, the little boy from that first book, has always stayed with me so I jumped at the chance of reading this one where we meet up with the character again but as an adult.

How do you overcome something traumatic from your past? Anthony has decided to face it full on by investigating events leading up to and during his grooming by Dr Galbraith and writing a book about his ordeal. Digging into the past opens not only deep wounds for himself but his family and all that were involved. Reading of people’s accounts was heart-breaking. It was hard not to be angry at certain people although there actions followed protocol but it also left some children at risk. It was quite upsetting to see how it all effects Anthony and how he chooses to battle his demons which causes strain within his relationship with his wife.

This actually does read okay as a standalone due to Anthony leaving no stone unturned with the events from that horrific time in his life and the way it has been written, it lays everything out for the reader. You will however want to go back and read the other two books after reading this one.

The Father is a spine chilling read that is quite upsetting yet extremely compelling. The author’s own experience in the child protection services comes more into force in this novel and it shows just how hard it must be for people that work in this sector and how frustrating their job can be at times. Anthony’s story is one that really grabs hold of it’s reader and will be one that never fully leaves you. A harrowing and unsettling story that readers won’t be able to put down!

The Father
The start of a dark, gripping crime thriller series from bestseller John Nicholl
by John Nicholl
I actually did like the book. NOT love it, but that's the point. It has an ugly message and warning against trusting anyone with authority... you were programmed to. I see as the writer did try to tell, QUESTION everyone who has contact with your child. BE VERY CAREfUL who you trust.

The Mailer family is 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 parent's marriage.
Fifty-eight-year-old Dr. David Galbraith, a sadistic, predatory pedophile 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.
I do love the message the book finally makes clear to everyone. No time to look away from ugly things.
This is a 3 books series. You want to see the justice if you will, and The doctor's wife, even as she did what she had to pay dearly, as well as hundreds of young boys. Lastly is Anthony and his story. It was all so very dreadful for so many, it tightens your heart for the survivors.
One series of books I shall not forget.

This book feels like it recaps the previous ones.

I still cannot see a market for this as it is not educational and rather dwells on the most awful part of a lot of people’s lives.

Well written with a riveting storyline and well developed characters that were relatable and believable. Fast paced, gripping and unpredictable.

This is the 3rd book in the series, and it continues on the story about Dr Galbraith, but this one focuses on Anthony Mailer who is now 37. He is the young boy in a previous book who was a victim of Dr Galbraith and this story is all about him as an adult trying to come to terms with what happened to him as a child, so that he can begin to move on and be the husband ad father his family deserve.

It is all about Anthony writing his own book and interviewing people who had been involved in the case and what happened to him.
I found a lot of it was recapping the previous books, but there was new information brought to light. But because I felt like a lot was recapping I enjoyed the previous books more

Great plot to get yourself lost in. This book has everything. A real fast paced thriller. Will get your heart racing on more than one occasion. Very well written. Highly recommend this book

I hadn’t read anything by this author before. But definitely will be looking for more if his work

John Nicholl's book The Father is the third book in the Dr. David Galbraith series. I read it as a standalone and found it easy to follow without reading the previous books. Based on true events, it is psychological suspense fiction. These facts are intense and may not be suitable for everyone. For those who are interested in fiction based on shocking true stories and can handle trigger warnings, this book is a must-read.

Synopsis:
Anthony Mailer was held captive in Dr. David Galbraith's basement when he was seven-years-old. Thirty years later, Anthony is married with a young daughter. Although he is now a successful journalist, he still struggles with the trauma of his childhood. To avoid a divorce, Anthony knows he must confront this situation head on. As Anthony visits his past, the dangers that await his future are still beyond his comprehension.

The Father is a very slow burn that leads to several jaw-dropping plot twists. The reader is left scratching his or her head until without warning the story comes together. I read many books, but this one will stay in my memory for a long time. Knowing it is based on true events broke my heart. Kudos to John Nicholls for dedicating this book to "survivors everywhere".

The Father by John Nicholl is available on September 20th.

Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for allowing me to review this book. It is an honor to represent John Nicholl's work.

#TheFather #JohnNicholl @BoldwoodBooks @BookandTonic

WOW!! Another brilliant book by J0hn Nicholl.
This is the 3rd book in the Robert Ga;braith series.

As the title states, this book is written by the Father.
Anthony was the child abused in the first book T HE DOCTOR.
As always it is a very graphic in places, but but the characters you have known throughout the series are so wonderfully drawn it keeps your attention.
At times though, I was very uncomfortable especially in the graphic parts. but I kept reading

The subject matter is very uncomfortable and graphic but it really happens in real life.
You need to read the first 2 books before reading this. that way you are introduced to some horrendous individuals who stay with you/
this final book is fantastic and wraps the series really well.
I recommend this book highly, but like I said read the 3 in order.

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC.
This is published on 20th September 2022

Book 3 in the series told from the view of Tony who was abducted and violently tortured by the doctor he should have felt safe with he was 7 years old at the time.
His married now with a child of his own but true happiness is still evading him drink is the one thing that helps numb the pain.He decides to write a book to help himself put ghosts to rest.He speaks to the people involved in the fall out,his parents,sister,police and social workers.
A well written heartbreaking book to fully understand the events I recommend you read books 1&2 before this one.
Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC

The Father by John Nicholl crime thriller- Rachel 23rd Sept- netgalley 4*
Anthony is now an adult but was sent for “ therapy” to the infamous Dr Galbraith as a child. This has haunted him his whole life and his marriage is now tenuous as well as his heavy drinking- anything to take his head away from the terrible memories. To try and put this to bed, Tony is writing a book about it all and he is interviewing those who knew Dr Galbraith and those around him such as his mother who instigated the treatment believing she was doing the best for her son after her marriage breakdown. What transpires is that Tony's memory was not always accurate- both to the good and the bad.
I’ve always enjoyed John’s books. Yes they are sometimes a little dark but knowing his background (both in the police and child protection social worker) I know that although fiction there's a depth of knowledge and maybe even some truth (albeit changed/enlarged) in what he writes (John does mention based on true events). Although a subject that many may not want to read about, this is, as ever, handled very sensitively and there aren't the details or horrible scenes which you might imagine in such a book. This is the third in the Dr Galbraith series and would probably stand alone, however to understand more of his capabilities, perhaps read the others first. A different read, most certainly one to remember- and to remember that although fiction the truth is often stranger.
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Please note that this book is part of a series. From what I have picked up in the reading, I think it would be of benefit to read the previous 2 first. Having said that, I found the content and descriptions of abuse most disturbing. The book, although fictional, is so written like a documentary evidential account, that you feel drawn in and really involved. I can't say that reading this book is recreational or in any way enjoyable as the content is just too brutal and raw.

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.

Hard to put a good thriller down, this fits the bill.

Similar to The Wife, this story was dark and heart-wrenching and filled with so many motivations that it could make your head spin.


It was beautifully written and my heart just eflnsnlf in the middle.


Too good, I can't even word.

Part 3 of the Dr David Galbraith series. This episode is told from the perspective of Anthony, the 7 year old boy Galbraith abducted and tortured. Tony is now 37 and advised it would be cathartic to write a book about the experience and interviews all those around Tony at the time it happened.
I really enjoyed this instalment, the interviews unveiled new information from the original book and the ending had a really emotional twist.

If you haven't read any of John's books, you really should, they are brilliant! This is the third in the Dr David Galbraith series, and you need to read them in order, so you can fully follow the story.

Another ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read from this very talented author.

What you don’t know can hurt you.
Thirty years ago Anthony Mailer was a seven-year-old boy trapped in Dr Galbraith’s basement. Now he’s a journalist, a husband and a father. But no matter how far he’s come, at times he’s still that scared little boy.
In order to save his marriage, he has to stop hiding from what happened and deal with it once and for all.
But digging into the past holds dangers Anthony never imagined . . .

“The Father” by John Nicholl is the third gripping instalment in the Galbraith series, following on from “The Wife” and “The Doctor”. This book provides a satisfying conclusion to the horrific story of Dr Galbraith and his victims and is an interesting and emotive tale on the perspective of Anthony, who was a victim of Dr Galbraith when he was a seven year old boy. This book (and indeed the series) can make for harrowing reading but the books are well written, and whilst fictional, this book was inspired by true events. It draws on the author’s experiences as a police officer and child protection social worker. So the author is writing what he knows and he does it very succinctly. A fascinating series and insight into the darker side of humanity; a tale which will stay with you after you’ve finished the series.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an arc in exchange for an unbiased review.

Thirty years ago Anthony Mailer was a seven-year-old boy trapped in Dr Galbraith’s basement. Now he’s a journalist, a husband and a father. But no matter how far he’s come, at times he’s still that scared little boy.
In order to save his marriage, he has to stop hiding from what happened and deal with it once and for all.
But digging into the past holds dangers Anthony never imagined . . .
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.
Totally recommend this book is so well written
Thank You NetGalley and Boldwood Books
I just reviewed The Father by John Nicholl. #TheFather #NetGalley