The first book in the Paul Nichols Series - Murder By Truth - The story of how I was murdered: A Tale of Survival and Deception
In the shadowy corridors of power, where whispers of betrayal float like ghosts, one man found himself ensnared in a deadly game. Realizing the imminent danger to his life, he devised a cunning escape plan, not only for himself but also to protect his new wife from the vultures circling overhead. This is his story—a tale of peril, love, and ultimate survival under the guise of death.
It all began with an unsettling realization. Our protagonist, a man of significant influence and hidden adversaries, discovered that his life was under threat. The revelation came not as a sudden shock, but rather a creeping dread that took root in his soul. He understood that those who sought his end would not rest until he was silenced forever.
Faced with the bleak prospect of his own demise, he knew that his escape plan needed a radical overhaul. The safety of his new wife became his paramount concern. Should he fall victim to his enemies, she would be left vulnerable. Thus, he crafted a meticulous strategy, one that would ensure her protection even in the event of his untimely death.
Central to this new plan were sealed envelopes, each containing detailed accounts of the threats he faced and the machinations of his would-be murderers. These letters, addressed to his lawyer, were updated regularly with the latest developments. These documents were his insurance, a way to expose the truth after his death and safeguard his wife's future.
Take a trek through New Zealand's crime underworld.
Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review. 4 out of 5 stars
Paul is dead, and he left a message for his wife, Martina, on what led to his demise. Murder by Truth by Gary Paul Stephenson is a thriller about Paul's letters to his wife. Conveyed by his trusted lawyer, Mr. Seifert, Martina gets these letters containing the truth of her late husband's secret mission and his expected death. Paul, a New Zealander, was an only child after his mother lost his junior brother after birth. He was spoiled and received the best of everything. Surprisingly, without the consent of his parents, Paul joined the Army. He trained in the Special Air Services and Mossad. His obtained skill sets, abilities, and knowledge made him fit for the job.
Martina learns various things from these letters, from Paul's consistent duo, Jenkin and Arthur, to how the mission led to Paul meeting her, the love of his life. The unfolding secrets will puzzle readers. One would wonder why Paul's killers killed him as soon as mentioned in his first letter. The anonymity of the individuals that assigned him on the mission will also steer questions. What is Martina's reaction after reading Paul's letters? What happens after she finds out the truth?
Murder by Truth is a compelling narrative that comprises 19 chapters and about 240 pages. The story begins in Mr. Seifert's office with old decorations a day after Paul's funeral. The way Gary Paul Stephenson introduced the story from the prologue was engaging. The profound description of the book's characters enthralled me. I liked Paul as a character even though he was dead. He seemed like an intelligent, brave, and tactical person.
Goodreads Review 22 September 2025 5 stars
Stephenson doesn’t romanticize Paul Nichols, and that’s exactly why this book hit me so hard. Instead of a polished, untouchable operative, we get a man whose humanity is inseparable from his lethality. Paul is dangerous, yes, but he’s also scarred, weary, and oddly fragile at times. Watching him navigate the layers of betrayal, personal and political, was like watching a slow unravelling of someone who had already given too much.
What I admire most is the refusal to turn Paul into a cliché. He isn’t a James Bond, he isn’t an action hero. He’s a man who has been used by institutions and discarded when his presence threatened to expose uncomfortable truths. That made me pause and think: how many real men and women are erased in silence when their usefulness runs out? It’s disturbingly believable, and that believability is the book’s sharpest weapon.
Goodreads review 22 September 2025 5 stars
This book left me reflective, unsettled, and oddly grateful for the discomfort. Thrillers are often written to entertain, but Murder By Truth goes further: it provokes. Stephenson forces us to wrestle with uncomfortable questions about loyalty, morality, and the expendability of human lives when truth threatens the powerful.
For me, that’s what elevated it beyond genre. I wasn’t just flipping pages for suspense; I was also circling back to think about what it means when truth becomes more dangerous than violence itself. That kind of resonance is rare, and it’s why I’ll be recommending this book to others.
Goodreads Review 23 September 2025 5 stars
The strength of Murder by Truth lies in how it humanizes its protagonist. Paul Nichols isn’t written as a stereotype, he’s adventurous, thoughtful, skilled, and above all, believable. That believability makes the betrayals in the book hit so much harder.
I found myself racing through the last third of the book because I couldn’t wait to see how it all played out. It’s one of those stories where you’re simultaneously eager to reach the ending and dreading it because you don’t want it to be over. If you want a thriller that keeps your heart racing but also makes you care, don’t miss this one.
Goodreads Review 23 Septemer 2025 5 stars
One of the highlights of Murder by Truth for me was how vividly the author painted Paul’s background in New Zealand and his love for rugged adventures. It gave such a contrast to the cold, calculated betrayal he faced later in life. I was swept along by the fast pacing, but also found myself pausing to admire the way Gary Paul Stephenson wove in themes of loyalty, corruption, and sacrifice. Our community readers’ chat couldn’t stop talking about the way the book asks us what the price of truth really is. For anyone considering this read, trust me, it’s worth it.