{Review} The River is Dark by Joe Hart

ISBN #: 978-0615866642

Page Count: 214

Copyright: August 6, 2013

Publisher: Black Spine Books

Description:

(Taken from back cover)

Ex-homicide detective Liam Dempsey is waiting to die.

His career, the only thing he ever knew how to do well, is over. The single solace each day brings is the ever-growing contemplation of suicide.

But when his estranged brother and sister-in-law are brutally murdered in their bucolic town set on the banks of the Mississippi River, he is drawn into an investigation surrounding a string of killings unlike anything he has ever seen before. The murder is ruthless, cunning, and without conscience.

Soon Liam learns that the river is dark.

And so are its secrets.

Charlene's Review:

Liam Dempsey's law enforcement career ended with a fatal mistake. Paralyzed by guilt and depression, he takes a phone call that will soon have him investigating, once more, as he tries to solve the murder of his brother and sister-in-law, by a possible serial killer. In the midst of the investigation, all he has uncovered may be ignored when his past comes back and is revealed. But Liam is not the only one in town with secrets.

Having read one of Mr. Hart's prior novels, I was familiar with his writing style, and graphic horror genre. The River is Dark is similar but is more in the genre of mystery/thriller. As much as I enjoyed Singularity, The River is Dark is by far my favorite of the two.

Mr. Hart keeps the suspense rolling and even with the clues given, you are never sure of who or what the "monster" is until the reveal. Excellent writing, believable characters, and terrific storytelling all combined in this relatively small book that culminates in a spine-tingling ride to redemption for the main character. I was spellbound throughout. Would love to see more of this style of writing from Mr. Hart, and even perhaps, some more with Liam Dempsey.

5 out of 5 stars!


*A physical copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.