About

Hello!

I'm Nikki, and I write suspense/thrillers set in Massachusetts, specifically Cape Cod, where I grew up. After a decade in digital marketing, now I teach high school English, writing in the summer. Kirkus Reviews said of my first novel, The Hollow: "Barrell’s admirable debut is an engaging journey into a troubled mind...a promising novel" and Publishers Weekly said, "[r]eaders will look forward to seeing more of the plausibly flawed Ellie [in] Barrell’s suspenseful thriller."

My latest suspense, The Sham (Woodhall Press 2023) about the worst roommate ever was nominated for a Pushcart Prize.

Other Works

Awards and Recognition

  • Nominated for a Pushcart Prize

Press and Media Mentions