The greater the evil, the more deadly the game…
When Emma awakens in total darkness, she is aware of her nakedness, injuries, a bed not her own. A blindingly bright light suddenly pierces the blackness and a disembodied male voice calls her “Venus.” Venus – the goddess of love, beauty, sex and desire. He says she is "Venus Six.” What does this predator want from her? Can she outwit the masked man who demands to be called “Master?” Or will he be looking for Venus Seven?
Brilliantly gripping, Portraits of the Dead will have you hooked from the very first page and holding your breath to the heart-stopping and shocking ending. How far would you go to save your life?
Praise for Portraits of the Dead:
'One of the best crime books I have ever read.' Misfits Farm
‘Another brilliant offering. Portraits of the Dead is a gripping thriller with more than a few surprises.’ By The Letter Book Reviews
'It doesn't get any better than this!' Jersey Girl Book Reviews
'Brilliant. With this tense, harrowing, edge of your seat tale, John Nicholl triumphs again. Very well written, this is storytelling at its honest, unflinching best.' Renita D'Silva - Bestselling Author
‘Portraits of the Dead is a serial killer thriller that will chill you to the bone. I will read anything by this author. He is that good!’ Sue Leonhardt - Top Rated Goodreads Reviewer
‘I could not put this novel down! Disturbing and compelling, an edge-of-the-seat story. John Nicholl is a fresh innovative and powerful new voice in crime fiction.’ The BooK Review Cafe
‘Ingenious and blood-curdling. The story is very gripping and tense. A clever original plot, great characters, non-stop tension and a very satisfying ending.’ Relax and Read Book Reviews
‘As far as thrillers go, this one is a great one!’ Lady Erynn’s Reviews
‘I remember his first book, his second book and now I will remember this one. They are 'stand out from the crowd' books for sure. Disturbing, enthralling and a really gripping read. I love it!’ Read Along With Sue
‘A serial killer chiller not to be missed! Another brilliant book from the pen of John Nicholl. Highly recommended reading.' Booklover Catlady Reviews
‘Another superb read by John Nicholl.’ Cheekypee Reads And Reviews
Genre: FICTION / Crime
John Nicholl, an ex-police officer, child protection social worker and lecturer, has written four dark psychological suspense thrillers and one novella, each of which has been an Amazon international bestseller, reaching # 1 in multiple categories in the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Australia, Canada and the USA.
Chapter 1
2:20 A.M. Saturday, 2 May 1998
Emma didn’t know how long he hid, silent and unmoving, in the large Victorian wardrobe to the side of her single bed. She didn’t know how long he peered, salivating and drooling, between the two heavy dark oak doors and watched, mesmerised, as she slowly drifted into fitful sleep. She didn’t know what time he pushed the doors open and crept towards her in the drab grey darkness of the night. But he did. She knew that he did.
Emma woke with a start, tense, alert, and opened her bleary eyes, telling herself insistently that the dark silhouette slowly approaching her was the nightmare construct of her subconscious mind. But initial anxiety became blind panic as the inky shadow took on an obvious human form that suddenly gained pace and loomed over her. And then a hand, a large hot clammy hand, pulled the bedclothes over her head, clamped her mouth tight shut and silenced her scream before it materialised.
