Book review: In the Dark by Cara Hunter
Title: In the Dark
Author: Cara Hunter
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Publisher: Viking
Publication date: 12th July 2018
My rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Summary:
“A woman and child are found locked in a basement room, barely alive.
No one knows who they are – the woman can’t speak, and there are no missing persons reports that match their profile. The elderly man who owns the house claims he has never seen them before.
The inhabitants of the quiet Oxford street are in shock. How could this happen right under their noses? But DI Adam Fawley knows that nothing is impossible.
And that no one is as innocent as they seem …”
My review:
It is not often that a sequel is just as good as the first book in the series but in this case, Cara Hunter has really succeeded in producing yet another suspenseful and highly gripping read. As with her first book, Close to Home, she establishes both tension and character building in just the right doses and I was once again stunned at the twists and unexpected discoveries as the plot developed in ways I did not imagine were possible.
Upon reflection, the most triumphant aspect in this book was the woman found in the basement, Vicky, and the astonishing way in which the author slowly reveals her story. Beware, as what may at first seem like an innocent character can quickly become a deceptive yet major turning point in the story line. I was immediately sucked into the intricacies of Vicky’s story and could not believe the turn of events and the clues I had missed prior to the reveal. However, the hints were delivered in an immensely clever way, ensuring to keep the reader guessing the murderer during the whole police investigation.
As before, DI Adam Fawley is presented as a likable yet flawed character, dealing with his own personal problems while trying his best to guide his team to the killer. I enjoyed the first person narrative from his end and truly believe that it was the right decision to continue with this writing technique to immerse the reader in his world and understand the case from his perspective. The DI Adam Fawley series by Cara Hunter is quickly becoming one of my favourite police crime series and I will be one of the first to read No Way Out upon its publication in April 2019.
8 Comments
Stephen Writes
Excellent review, Darina. I agree, this is turning into a gripping, high quality series of books. I enjoyed the first one slightly more, although this one is also outstanding as it is full of surprising developments.
Like you, I am already looking ahead to reading No Way Out!
facingthestory
Thank you! Yes, the ending in particular was much stronger in the first book but I do agree with you that the series is great so far and has lots of potential.
Rylee
Haven’t read this series, but it sounds interesting! I don’t read enough crime series. The only one that I’ve read (and I’m ADDICTED to) is J.K. Rowling’s Cormoran Strike series. Given that I like it so much, it’s probably a hint that I should explore more in the genre. Great review!
facingthestory
Thanks, Rylee 🙂 If you like the Cormoran Strike series then you’ll probably like this one too. Cormoran Strike is much more fleshed out in terms of character development but this one focuses much more on the crime itself and the plot is very strong. It’s a good start if you do decide to explore the genre!
Rylee
Ooh, sounds awesome!!
jennifertarheelreader
Wow, Darina, this sounds amazing! I am reluctant to start a new series but hearing how much you love this particular one is definitely tempting me. Wonderful review!
facingthestory
Thank you! Oh yes, this series is really quite something. I highly recommend it if you decide on starting a new crime series at some point!
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