Thank you HTP / Netgalley, #partner, for the advanced e-copy of The Dark Hours in exchange for my honest review.
Publisher: MIRA
Published: January 28, 2025
Summary:
For fans of Tana French and Jane Harper, this debut crime thriller follows a retired police detective who must face down a vicious killer and the memories that haunt her—thirty years after bringing down one of Ireland’s most prolific serial killers.
Julia Harte has found the perfect place to disappear: Cuan Beag, a secluded coastal village on the east coast of Ireland. Home to less than one thousand residents, a popular daytrip for tourists, it has proven to be a scenic corner in which to erase a life. This corner of the world is so peaceful, at times it feels uninhabited; that’s why she chose to disappear here. But Julia knows anything is possible in the dark hours.
Thirty years ago, Julia helped to bring down the most prolific serial killer Ireland had ever seen, and while that case spurred a successful career and a bestselling book, it’s also the reason she’s in hiding now, all alone and haunted by the things that happened all those years ago, without the husband she had depended upon. When a copycat killer strikes, Julia is called back to active duty, but this time, she’s not the young, naive officer she was then. She knows killers like this one, who hunt for sport, and she’s determined to put a stop to his plans–or die trying.
My thoughts:
A debut crime thriller and a book about a serial killer – yes, please! I had high hopes for this one and I was not disappointed! This will definitely be an author I’ll be watching out for to see what she writes next.
Steeped in atmosphere, this police procedural is as intense as it is dark and gripping. Using a dual narrative, this book had me on the edge of my seat as we see the past and present collide. I found myself questioning everything and holding my breath too many times to count. Each reveal piling on to an already layered story that just felt so brilliantly crafted.
While I loved the police procedural part, I also loved that just as much time was spent on the relationships the occurred in the book. This gave the story a relatable sense to it, particularly those involving Julia. I really liked her character, as she is more mature in age. I am loving this trend in books right now! Plus, we see the devastating impact the trauma has had on her and how this has affected her life and career.
I cannot recommend this one enough. It is fast-paced, suspenseful and very unsettling in the best way possible. I don’t know what this author is writing next but I sure would love it if it was another book involving Julia Harte!
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