HEAD_videotitleimage.png

life is a game

enter the mind of a brilliant assassin and immerse yourself in a gaming mystery thriller.

Experience his disguises, cross-dressing, and survival strategies.

HEAD

A Ben Lorloch Mystery Thriller

by
P. Portraits

The Writing Process

  • Think It.

    Find your creative ‘over the edge’.

    This is where to write.

  • Drive it.

    Identify the threats.

    Enjoy the scenery.

  • Land it.

    Deliver the narrative.

    Leave it…and move on to the next piece.

Introduction From

Head

Lorloch Larks | OmniFreeway

 

Opening my laptop. A coded problem pops up for me to solve before I can access the OmniFreeway, the virtual playground of the most sophisticated minds in the world. Only those with intelligence as outré as mine can solve problems like these and get in.

Working it out within the five seconds allowed. The OmniFreeway, with all its business Portals, opens up on my screen. Typing in my passcode to access the Portal to my nightclub, Oscillation Overload, where I like to hang out. Sitting Headless, my avatar, in my usual booth…looking good in a bespoke obsidian suit and matching loafers. Flashing just a hint of my signature Meconopsis x cookie pink cashmere socks. Watching the throng of outré dancers partying, the outré dealers doing business, and the outré bartenders slinging cocktails. Listening to my Artificial Intelligence DJ mixing the songs I compose for amusement and for the clubbers to enjoy.

Reviews


aker

5.0 out of 5 stars "HEAD" Delivers an Electrifying Thrill Ride Where Gaming Meets Deadly Mystery

Reviewed in the United States on April 4, 2025

This is an electrifying novel that skillfully merges suspense, technology, and personal drama. At the heart of the story is Ben Lorloch, a young, gifted game developer who finds himself embroiled in a deeply personal mystery after witnessing his father’s murder. This event propels him into a relentless search for answers, filled with twists, turns, and dangerous secrets.

Readers will find the plot both innovative and immersive, especially those intrigued by the fusion of gaming culture with real-world thriller elements. The novel is powerful in how it creates a sense of urgency and emotional depth, ensuring readers remain invested in Ben's quest for justice.

While the narrative occasionally employs a clipped, abrupt style, it ultimately adds to the fast-paced atmosphere. Ben Lorloch is portrayed convincingly, with compelling motivations and vulnerabilities, making his struggles feel authentic and relatable.

Overall, HEAD is a standout mystery thriller, perfect for readers seeking an action-packed story that delivers both adrenaline and emotional resonance.

Olanrewaju Jimoh

5.0 out of 5 stars An Absolute Thrill Ride

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 27 March 2025

Wow—this book had me hooked from page one! HEAD is a perfect mix of action, mystery, and high-stakes gaming, and I couldn’t put it down. Ben Lorloch is a fantastic character—brilliant, dangerous, and constantly on the edge. The twists caught me off guard, and the suspense had me flipping pages late into the night. If you love thrillers that keep you guessing, this one’s a must-read

Daphney

5.0 out of 5 stars Good One!

Reviewed in the United States on January 25, 2025

Verified Purchase

HEAD completely grabbed me from the first page. It’s the perfect mix of gaming, mystery, and intense a ction, with a twist I didn’t see coming. Ben Lorloch, the billionaire assassin at the center, is complex and compelling—just the kind of character that makes you want to keep reading. The suspense kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time, and I couldn’t put it down

Erik Wilson

5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 22 January 2025

Absolutely loved this book. It kept me hooked throughout and there were so many good twists and turns. I also loved the character development of Ben Lorloch, so well done.

Lorkian S.

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Enjoyable - A Must Read

Reviewed in the United States on December 6, 2024

I really enjoyed this book. It kept me engaged throughout the whole book. I loved the author's style of writing and could not put it down. Pick up a copy, you won't regret it.

A2xtreme

5.0 out of 5 stars A Riveting Mystery Packed with Twists and Suspense

Reviewed in the United States on December 14, 2024

A Ben Lorloch Mystery Thriller is a fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat tale that keeps readers guessing until the final page. Ben Lorloch is a captivating protagonist, balancing sharp intellect with a gritty determination to unravel the truth. The plot weaves intricate mysteries with unexpected twists, making for an addictive read.

Castaldo Gennaro Paskouale

5.0 out of 5 stars Tense with an original plot

Reviewed in the United States on December 2, 2024

This tense thriller was entertaining to read, with lots of unexpected twists and a fun writing style. The VR environment was an interesting originality, especially in the age of AI. Something between "Total Recall" and "Assassin's Creed". Fun!

Kathryn MCLEER - Goodreads

5.0 out of 5 stars

Reviewed on December 3, 2024

This was a strong start to the Ben Lorloch Mystery Thriller series, it had that element that I was looking for and enjoyed about the genre… and had that mystery element that I was looking for. P. Portraits has a strong writing style and was glad I read this. I hope to read more in this series and from the author.

Brian OCallaghan - Author

5.0 out of 5 stars Easy to follow and engaging

Reviewed in the United States on November 10, 2024

5 STARS - for a clever mix of gaming elements and a thrilling mystery. Easy to follow and engaging enjoyed this start to finish.

Will Goode

5.0 out of 5 stars Thrilling and Unique Gaming Mystery!

Reviewed in the United States on November 10, 2024

HEAD, by P. Portraits: A Ben Lorloch Gaming Mystery Thriller is a true page-turner with an absolutely brilliant combination of high-stakes gaming and a suspenseful ingeniously woven mystery. This story belongs to a billionaire assassin and game creator named Ben Lorloch, who drags you into a world of virtual reality, blood-curdling riddles, gruesome assassinations, and shocking plot twists. Every line is filled with suspense, making one keep guessing and questioning what is real and what is not. From artful storytelling down to the involved plot, Portraits is an emotional ride that gamers and fans of thrillers will alike love. Superbly recommended for an enthralling, edge-of-your-seat experience!

Ranna Marie

5.0 out of 5 stars One of a kind Book

Reviewed in the United States on October 6, 2024

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Wowzers! What an impressive novel.

While it took me a bit to get into the author’s writing style, once I did I was fully immersed. It honestly felt like I was in the mc’s ‘head’ (no pun intended lol), and the more the story went on - the more intense it got.

Someone in film needs to get a hold of this because I could definitely see it becoming a movie or series!

5 stars- this is definitely one of a kind.

Mark Lenders

5.0 out of 5 stars A Thrilling Dive into a World of Gaming and Mystery

Reviewed in the United States on October 24, 2024

Head: A Ben Lorloch Gaming Mystery Thriller by P. Portraits delivers an engaging and gripping blend of gaming and mystery. If you're a fan of both immersive video game worlds and a thrilling whodunit, this novel provides the perfect fusion. The story follows billionaire assassin Ben Lorloch as he delves into a twisted and suspenseful investigation filled with riddles, gruesome assassinations, and unexpected twists.

The author does a fantastic job of creating an immersive environment, pulling readers into the high-stakes virtual world while keeping the tension at a constant high. The mystery is complex yet clever, with each revelation leaving you questioning what’s real and what’s part of the game.

Portraits skillfully balances the gaming elements with a plotline that offers plenty of action and intrigue, making it a great read for both mystery lovers and gaming enthusiasts alike. The storyline keeps you hooked from start to finish, with surprises that will have you on the edge of your seat. If you're looking for a fresh take on a gaming thriller, Head will not disappoint.

Sam Elliott

5.0 out of 5 stars Gripping Thriller Set in a Virtual World of Danger and Intrigue!

Reviewed in the United States on November 13, 2024

HEAD: A Ben Lorloch Mystery Thriller is a truly unbeatable minute-by-minute thrill from start to finish, which follows the story of billionaire assassin Ben Lorloch as he plunges deep into a theoretically intriguing mystery within a virtual reality game. Prepare for twists of an unexpected nature, gruesome assassinations, and a good deal of suspense as P. Portraits adroitly merges gaming elements with the classic mystery tropes in this engrossing read.

Action-packed and full of intrigue, this novel really draws the reader deep into a layered mystery challenging not only what's real but what's only part of the game. Without being a gamer, one would be attracted to the vividness in storytelling, the complexity of the characters, and the tension which bites into one's nails. A must-read for all those who enjoy psychological thrillers combined with virtual reality!

Photography by P. Portraits - Whiteadder Reservoir, Scotland

Whiteadder Reservoir

East Lothian, Scotland UK

The Inspiration Behind

The Ben Lorloch Mystery Thrillers

 

About

P. Portraits

What made me a mystery thriller writer?

I am attracted by people who ‘get away with it.’ I have always been curious about why they did ‘it’ and how novel their approach to clinching ‘it’ is, mostly unseen. It all started when I was about seven years old and I saw ? do ? and no one knew but me…and ? got away with it. And I realised I could write from that point of view, as a complicit unseen narrator.

I am also a poet.

Abstract Conceptual Realism define my prose and poetry.