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Blake Larsen #1
In the Dark
In Northern Pines, nothing is as it seems.
Tragedy has stalked Blake Larsen her entire life. Orphaned after the violent death of her parents, her Green Beret brother Caleb was all she had left. He was there the day she graduated high school, and the first person she called after she became a federal agent.
And then the cops find him swinging from the rafters. The horrific discovery pushes Blake to the edge of despair.
But after one of Caleb's closest friends is violently murdered outside her front door, Blake grows determined to uncover the truth. What was Kyle doing there that night? Did he know something about her brother's death? If so, what secret could be terrible enough for someone to kill to cover it up?
Blake teams up with Ryan Walker, another of Caleb's former comrades-in-arms, to find out. As they grow more and more entangled in the dark underworld of Northern Pines, they learn how far people will go to keep a small town’s secrets buried.
One wrong step could be fatal, but Blake has nothing left to lose.
Tragedy has stalked Blake Larsen her entire life. Orphaned after the violent death of her parents, her Green Beret brother Caleb was all she had left. He was there the day she graduated high school, and the first person she called after she became a federal agent.
And then the cops find him swinging from the rafters. The horrific discovery pushes Blake to the edge of despair.
But after one of Caleb's closest friends is violently murdered outside her front door, Blake grows determined to uncover the truth. What was Kyle doing there that night? Did he know something about her brother's death? If so, what secret could be terrible enough for someone to kill to cover it up?
Blake teams up with Ryan Walker, another of Caleb's former comrades-in-arms, to find out. As they grow more and more entangled in the dark underworld of Northern Pines, they learn how far people will go to keep a small town’s secrets buried.
One wrong step could be fatal, but Blake has nothing left to lose.
348 pages, Paperback
First published February 8, 2023
2659 people are currently reading
932 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
March 13, 2023
Every one should read this
I don't know how Mr. Slater did it! After the second chapter I was hooked. I thought for sure that some of the bad guys were going to come back to haunt the people who told on them. That is going to happen right??
My heart was racing in quite a few places.
I don't want to do a cliffhanger so I'm just going to recommend this story for everyone!!
I don't know how Mr. Slater did it! After the second chapter I was hooked. I thought for sure that some of the bad guys were going to come back to haunt the people who told on them. That is going to happen right??
My heart was racing in quite a few places.
I don't want to do a cliffhanger so I'm just going to recommend this story for everyone!!
December 21, 2023
lacking
There was no real suspense, dull and boring. She wasn’t a very good investigator, she made too many stupid mistakes and Ryan and Nathan weren’t any better.
There was no real suspense, dull and boring. She wasn’t a very good investigator, she made too many stupid mistakes and Ryan and Nathan weren’t any better.
January 12, 2026
These four books were at a used book store for $2 each. Not even a single hint of ever being read. Bought them not expecting too much but at least we didn’t spend too much on them. I would now say that I would pay $20 each to get these bad boys. A story line with a total bad add female. The terminology being used was easy to keep up with. Plus her side kick could literally hit me with his truck and I would thank him. Also there is a DOG!!!!
July 31, 2025
Another solid read was delivered by Jack Slater. It started a bit slow but found a quick pace and tempo. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this exciting series.
This did take me quite a bit longer to read than usual, but that was because I'm working on book two in my own thriller series.
This did take me quite a bit longer to read than usual, but that was because I'm working on book two in my own thriller series.
February 27, 2023
Corruption meets evil!
Blake gets pulled into a complicated and deadly conspiracy as she tries to find out the truth behind her brothers death. Not knowing who to trust is only the beginning of her problems. She must put all of her experience and talent into just staying alive! Good thriller!
Blake gets pulled into a complicated and deadly conspiracy as she tries to find out the truth behind her brothers death. Not knowing who to trust is only the beginning of her problems. She must put all of her experience and talent into just staying alive! Good thriller!
January 19, 2024
Interesting story.
January 28, 2024
Just so standard. Had promise and was interesting in the beginning, but the end was just eh could’ve guessed kinda material
January 30, 2024
Good read. I'd be happy to read the next in the series. Likeable characters. The story gets you hooked from the prologue and doesn't let you go.
April 6, 2023
Blake Larsen is ex- Army CID. Her Brother, Caleb, was ex-Green Beret. He turns up dead and death is ruled as a suicide. Cleaning out his home and some alcohol fueled grief had her planning to join him. Simple, just put the gun to your head and pull the trigger. But the gun shots she heard weren't from her gun. Someone outside the house was murdered and that someone was a friend of Caleb's. All of the sudden, facts aren't facts and if she wants to know the truth, she is going to have to find them herself. She might not like her truth. It looks, for all the world, like Caleb might have been involved devious deeds. Girls are being kidnapped. Girls nobody is going to care about. You may be surprised at the truth, too.
November 2, 2024
I mostly picked this up due to knowing the Southern Pines/Fort Bragg area well, and being into thrillers. It was kind of boring and slow paced, it never really pulled me in. I felt like barely anything happened plot wise despite the length of the book. Definitely won’t be reading the rest of the series. I felt like I finished the book just to give it a chance to get better.
November 10, 2023
Drugs and Gang Violence
This murder mystery was no mystery. You are told from the beginning who\what\why. I really couldn't get into the characters to care enough. The book was well written but missing those little details that make a great read.
This murder mystery was no mystery. You are told from the beginning who\what\why. I really couldn't get into the characters to care enough. The book was well written but missing those little details that make a great read.
July 8, 2024
"In the Dark" was a good mystery novel that introduces former U.S. Army Criminal Investigations Division (CID) investigator Blake Larsen. While it had some slow parts in the story, it had a great flow and when things revved up, it became more riveting to include some plot twists leading up the end. While the story doesn't go into to much detail as to why she left the CID (maybe it's being saved for the future books), once the mystery was revealed regarding her brother's mysterious death ruled a suicide and a former soldier who served with her brother was also killed near her brother's residence and very close to the time he died, Blake did not see it as a coincidence.
As the mystery starts to unfold, you can see her incredible investigative skills at work. It was of course not without barriers such as local law enforcement, nosy civilians, criminals and a biker gang all in the mix and she had no idea which ones were out to kill her for "sticker her nose where it didn't belong" but she was determined to get to the truth surrounding her brother's death, what he was involved in that got him and his fellow soldier killed. When she get the answers she's seeking, will it be at a high cost to include her life?
This was another book by Jack Slater featuring a different character not named Jason Trapp and it wasn't a bad read. I think he might just grow on me over time as I check out other books featuring this character. It is recommended especially since it had a strong female character and a change from the usual mystery novels I read.
As the mystery starts to unfold, you can see her incredible investigative skills at work. It was of course not without barriers such as local law enforcement, nosy civilians, criminals and a biker gang all in the mix and she had no idea which ones were out to kill her for "sticker her nose where it didn't belong" but she was determined to get to the truth surrounding her brother's death, what he was involved in that got him and his fellow soldier killed. When she get the answers she's seeking, will it be at a high cost to include her life?
This was another book by Jack Slater featuring a different character not named Jason Trapp and it wasn't a bad read. I think he might just grow on me over time as I check out other books featuring this character. It is recommended especially since it had a strong female character and a change from the usual mystery novels I read.
January 21, 2024
4.5 Stars 🌟
This was my week for "new to me" authors and luckily, it was a good week :)
This series introduces us to Blake Larsen, who is dealing with the recent suicide of her only brother, Caleb. Caleb was in the military and died a couple of months ago. Her brother was her only family as her parents were killed several years ago.
Blake was with Army CID for a decade, but left the Army recently and dealt with his death by drinking away her days. She hits the bottom of her grief and is about to do something really awful when there is a murder outside of Caleb's house (where she is currently staying). So starts this mystery.
Why was one of Caleb's Army buddies killed outside of her house? What about Caleb's death, was it really suicide? What were they investigating?
I really liked the pacing of this book. Things start fast, and the action was pretty much non stop. We are introduced to a couple of secondary characters in Ryan and Nathan, that team up with Blake and help her try to figure out what was going on.
In the end, there is a lot to find. This book wraps up that storyline but also opens the door for the next book. I am absolutely looking forward to continuing on with this series as it seems that the deaths of her and Caleb's parents were not what she was led to believe.....
This was my week for "new to me" authors and luckily, it was a good week :)
This series introduces us to Blake Larsen, who is dealing with the recent suicide of her only brother, Caleb. Caleb was in the military and died a couple of months ago. Her brother was her only family as her parents were killed several years ago.
Blake was with Army CID for a decade, but left the Army recently and dealt with his death by drinking away her days. She hits the bottom of her grief and is about to do something really awful when there is a murder outside of Caleb's house (where she is currently staying). So starts this mystery.
Why was one of Caleb's Army buddies killed outside of her house? What about Caleb's death, was it really suicide? What were they investigating?
I really liked the pacing of this book. Things start fast, and the action was pretty much non stop. We are introduced to a couple of secondary characters in Ryan and Nathan, that team up with Blake and help her try to figure out what was going on.
In the end, there is a lot to find. This book wraps up that storyline but also opens the door for the next book. I am absolutely looking forward to continuing on with this series as it seems that the deaths of her and Caleb's parents were not what she was led to believe.....
January 30, 2025
Amazing book, truly surprised of this new discovered character.
I read Jason Trap's books by Jack Slater and I was expecting something similar about "another operator" with some background from Special Operations.
First of all I was not aware of Blak being a female name so when I realized at the very beginning Blake "was a she" it got my attention.
Second detail was about her background having been CID... that was close to Jack Reacher (by Lee Child) character which I really like!!!!!
Maybe she is not a trained operator with Ranger/Delta/Seal/SAS/... training but tis is when a new character is introduced to team with Blake!!!!
I liked how characters were described with some details of their past supporting you to understand them but also I liked the full plot they are going to deal with.
At the end of the book, looks like the thread to start a new story is set so moving into the second book!!!!
I read Jason Trap's books by Jack Slater and I was expecting something similar about "another operator" with some background from Special Operations.
First of all I was not aware of Blak being a female name so when I realized at the very beginning Blake "was a she" it got my attention.
Second detail was about her background having been CID... that was close to Jack Reacher (by Lee Child) character which I really like!!!!!
Maybe she is not a trained operator with Ranger/Delta/Seal/SAS/... training but tis is when a new character is introduced to team with Blake!!!!
I liked how characters were described with some details of their past supporting you to understand them but also I liked the full plot they are going to deal with.
At the end of the book, looks like the thread to start a new story is set so moving into the second book!!!!
April 30, 2023
Some of mysteries are brought out into the light
A retired CID officer is mourning the loss of her brother through suicide when information becomes available to point towards murder rather than suicide. She teams up with a military special forces guy who knew about her brother's death and also other military deaths claiming to be suicide which are really, you guessed it, homicides. Seems there is an illegal prostitution and drug ring going on in this small town as well. Lots of violence, blood and gore, A lovable, huge Alsatian dog named Axe and a run away juvenile turned prostitute and drug addict mixed in. Most of the small police force and local military are corrupt and the story follows the search for the Ruth about what happened to her brother and why, with a tiny bit of romance to round it out.
A retired CID officer is mourning the loss of her brother through suicide when information becomes available to point towards murder rather than suicide. She teams up with a military special forces guy who knew about her brother's death and also other military deaths claiming to be suicide which are really, you guessed it, homicides. Seems there is an illegal prostitution and drug ring going on in this small town as well. Lots of violence, blood and gore, A lovable, huge Alsatian dog named Axe and a run away juvenile turned prostitute and drug addict mixed in. Most of the small police force and local military are corrupt and the story follows the search for the Ruth about what happened to her brother and why, with a tiny bit of romance to round it out.
December 2, 2023
Was it really suicide
Blake Larson has been informed that her brother has committed suicide.
Larson does not think this is true! She was in the Army as an investigator and decides to investigate on her own. Along the way she meets a former special forces soldier that is investigating a similar occurrence and terms up with Blake and together they find themselves in the midst of a series of killing which are traced to the Army CID and the local police Department.
Blake Larson has been informed that her brother has committed suicide.
Larson does not think this is true! She was in the Army as an investigator and decides to investigate on her own. Along the way she meets a former special forces soldier that is investigating a similar occurrence and terms up with Blake and together they find themselves in the midst of a series of killing which are traced to the Army CID and the local police Department.
January 10, 2024
Great Story! You Will Not Be Sorry If You Read!
Captivated from the git go. Loved the Blake character and her toughness and resilience. Loved the Ryan guy too- was hoping for a drop more romance out of those two but maybe they’ll meet up in the next book I just got “She Lies Here”, by same great author Jack Slater.
For real y’all-I read this book in 2 days…
Oh and I’m ex military so loved that aspect of book.
Captivated from the git go. Loved the Blake character and her toughness and resilience. Loved the Ryan guy too- was hoping for a drop more romance out of those two but maybe they’ll meet up in the next book I just got “She Lies Here”, by same great author Jack Slater.
For real y’all-I read this book in 2 days…
Oh and I’m ex military so loved that aspect of book.
January 28, 2024
This is a little different than what I usually read, although, I have been doing more crime and thrillers this year. In the Dark was a really enjoyable book and since I now know there are more I am going to put them on my reading list. Blake is a fascinating woman with many strengths and flaws and so very strong, when I thought about some of the things she was doing it made me realize I would never put myself in any of her circumstances...great character.
March 20, 2024
Very good thriller. Blake Larsen, a former CID investigator, is devastated by the suppose suicide of her brother. Her life is in shambles. She thinks about turning a gun on herself, but something stops her. From that point forward, she is consumed by investigating the possibility that her brother's death wasn't suicide. He was murdered as part of some elaborate money-making scheme. The story begins slowly, but then picks up steam at about the halfway point. Stay with it. An enjoyable read.
June 17, 2024
hard to get into the book but once the action started
A young woman finds her brother committed suicide but then someone is killed right in front of his house. Coincidence, no. The main character, Blake was X- military like her brother. A friend of her brother’s and his dog helped her figure out what really happened. Quite of few other characters made the plot interesting. Planning on reading book 2
A young woman finds her brother committed suicide but then someone is killed right in front of his house. Coincidence, no. The main character, Blake was X- military like her brother. A friend of her brother’s and his dog helped her figure out what really happened. Quite of few other characters made the plot interesting. Planning on reading book 2
November 27, 2024
Amazing read
Was not sure if I’d like this book BUT it was really great! Characters were well developed, likable (most), and believable. Storyline was also well developed, believable, fast paced, and kept me wanting more. The storyline gave enough history, backstory, but not too much - everything you needed to know to understand the plot. Worth reading, and now I cannot wait to read book two.
Was not sure if I’d like this book BUT it was really great! Characters were well developed, likable (most), and believable. Storyline was also well developed, believable, fast paced, and kept me wanting more. The storyline gave enough history, backstory, but not too much - everything you needed to know to understand the plot. Worth reading, and now I cannot wait to read book two.
February 16, 2023
Law enforcement depends on trust, skill, and ethics
Blake Larsen faces loss, mourning, grief, and uncertainty in the months following her brother's death. Blake activates her inner passion to discover truth. Other truth seekers include a faithful, loyal canine. I look forward to future episodes.
Blake Larsen faces loss, mourning, grief, and uncertainty in the months following her brother's death. Blake activates her inner passion to discover truth. Other truth seekers include a faithful, loyal canine. I look forward to future episodes.
March 2, 2023
Usual great read from Jack Slater
Jack always writes books that you can't put down. They are full of action, good story lines and you often feel very close to real life. The story is not obvious Diane definitely is a book that you want to keep reading. My only complaint is that I finished it too quickly.
I can't wait for the next Blake Larson book.
Jack always writes books that you can't put down. They are full of action, good story lines and you often feel very close to real life. The story is not obvious Diane definitely is a book that you want to keep reading. My only complaint is that I finished it too quickly.
I can't wait for the next Blake Larson book.
March 8, 2023
very good
I have read all of the authors novels with Jason Trapp and thoroughly enjoyed them so when this new character novel came out I gave it a whirl. I really like Blake Larsen and the way she conducts herself. She stands up and takes charge. She is smart but sometimes a little reckless. No one is perfect. Ryan Walker makes a good partner.
I have read all of the authors novels with Jason Trapp and thoroughly enjoyed them so when this new character novel came out I gave it a whirl. I really like Blake Larsen and the way she conducts herself. She stands up and takes charge. She is smart but sometimes a little reckless. No one is perfect. Ryan Walker makes a good partner.
August 20, 2023
Intriguing. Lots of plot twists.
I was not in the military so some of what was written I wasn't sure if I understood. However, the story line sinks the hook in the first two chapters. By then you can't put it down. This was my first time reading this author. I am going on to the next book in the series.
Highly recommend this book and hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
I was not in the military so some of what was written I wasn't sure if I understood. However, the story line sinks the hook in the first two chapters. By then you can't put it down. This was my first time reading this author. I am going on to the next book in the series.
Highly recommend this book and hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
October 4, 2023
Retribution
Finding out that her brother did not commit suicide led Blake to break the hold that despair had on her. She decided that Caleb deserved retribution… Someone had to pay for what they did. Then, slowly at first, the ball of twine starts to unravel and you’re in for a faster and faster ride in this thrilling tale. Totally recommend it!
Finding out that her brother did not commit suicide led Blake to break the hold that despair had on her. She decided that Caleb deserved retribution… Someone had to pay for what they did. Then, slowly at first, the ball of twine starts to unravel and you’re in for a faster and faster ride in this thrilling tale. Totally recommend it!
January 19, 2024
🎧AUDIOBOOK REVIEW🎧
I can’t believe I’m saying this but I had a hard time figuring out which character was which. Every guy had a basic guy name and even the lead female character’s name was Blake. I listened to this and halfway through the chapter I was asking myself who the heck they were. It going to continue with the series.
I can’t believe I’m saying this but I had a hard time figuring out which character was which. Every guy had a basic guy name and even the lead female character’s name was Blake. I listened to this and halfway through the chapter I was asking myself who the heck they were. It going to continue with the series.
September 10, 2024
Great new mystery series.
And the epilogue implies future adventures and mystery. We have a wonderful set of characters and likely romance for the future of the series.
This book has a strong mystery with hints and twists and turns.
The Kindle Unlimited came with an Audible version which is how I primarily listened with a good narrator.
And the epilogue implies future adventures and mystery. We have a wonderful set of characters and likely romance for the future of the series.
This book has a strong mystery with hints and twists and turns.
The Kindle Unlimited came with an Audible version which is how I primarily listened with a good narrator.
October 24, 2024
Fast moving and suspenseful.
Although the subject matter is really dark, the book itself was very engrossing. The main characters were gritty and determined to find the truth. The dog, oh my, I thought I was going to lose it over the dog. Make sure to read the author’s note at the end as this book is not as far fetched as one might think.
Although the subject matter is really dark, the book itself was very engrossing. The main characters were gritty and determined to find the truth. The dog, oh my, I thought I was going to lose it over the dog. Make sure to read the author’s note at the end as this book is not as far fetched as one might think.
November 26, 2024
I didn't finish the book. I couldn't get past 100 pages. It had a fantastic prologue, but the chapters that followed about Blake were like pulling teeth. The author gave the FMC all of 3 personality traits: 1.) I used to be a cop 2.) Boo hoo, my brother died, and 3.) Oh, did I mention I used to be a cop?! You can tell by all the detective things I do😑🙄
Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews