The Dark Place

by Paula Quig

Two best friends, one terrible secret and the night that changed their lives forever...

Steph and Kate have been best friends for as long as they can both remember. When Steph decides to return to her hometown to visit Kate, the memories from the night that forever changed their lives keep flooding back. Steph soon realizes that she can no longer hide from her past and must face the truth of what happened that horrible night, so many years ago. But the more she digs, the more it becomes clear that the people in her hometown do not want the truth to come to the surface.

The Dark Place is a gripping psychological thriller that explores the limits of friendship, the lies we all tell ourselves, the often fragile bonds of marriage, the seductive pull of a first crush and the endless depths of a mother's love.

263 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 5, 2023

Reviews

[Apryl Gladue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this novel a few months ago, and the story, scenes, and characters are still with me. The characters and all the relationships in this book are very relatable. The small town setting, from the opening graduation party to the pilgrimage back to Stonington beach, was wonderfully captured. Indeed, I my graduation party was a bush/forest party too! I enjoyed following the main character through different significant events in her life, and the stories flowed in and out with ease. The relationships between neighbours, family and friends stretch back and forth over time and we are allowed into the minds of those trying to figure out their place their own histories. It felt like we were invited on this journey of discovery, through some heartbreaking challenges and tragedies, and leading to a suspenseful ending testing the characters' physical and emotional strength. In such a Dark Place, the author shines a light on the long-term effects of traumatic events and keeping secrets. Such a fan of this new writer and definitely looking forward to more stories like this!

[Mikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Hard Place to go Back to

I was very impressed to learn that this book was this author's very first book!! In my opinion it was captivating.
This is NOT my usual choice of genere BUT I AM VERY HAPPY I READ THIS! She brought me into her world. right into her story. I felt like I could have been one of the characters. I have so many good things to say about this. I would recommend this to any age group , let's say 12 years and older. I gave her 5 stars because she failed to bore me!! That's right! I said she FIALED to bore me. I also enjoyed the fact that it took place in my home state of Minnesota. The story line just really hit home with me. So much so, that I will be purchasing her other book now too. I have purchased this book before reading and reviewing it. so, be looking fore my review on the next book she wrote also. From what I believe, this author only has 2 books in print at the moment. Correct me if I'm wrong. Enjoy reading this one everbody. NO trigger warnings in this one.

[Danielle | danielle.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic first book! Loved the plot and how the narrative follows both mother and daughter as well as bounced back from present and past.

Captivating story and great twists throughout. Would have loved to learn more of the after-effects in the epilogue but definitely would recommend and reread again in the future

[Stacy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Plot was okay but the suspense just wasn't there. It felt like a lot of the book was filled with unnecessary details. The word "actually" was used way too much- there were multiple sentences where it was used twice. The writing could use some improvement but I believe the author has a lot of potential.

[Jacynthe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love how the author is able to make us connect to the characters and the story has potential. But you can feel that it's her first book. I have read her second book seeing as she is a local author that lives in my village and her second book has a more connected and fluid storyline. I still loved reading this book though as I'm excited to see her progression as an author. :)

[Miriam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a phenomenal book. I loved every minute of it and would not have thought this was a first novel for her!!

The plot twists were so unexpected, I really thought I knew what was happening and then another twist was there. When it all came together I was shocked at how it played out.

Great book for me highly recommend.

[Shauna Troniak · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hooked from the beginning! This is a briskly paced thriller that manages to weave in multiple perspectives and time periods without weighing down the plot. It was also a really fun read. Highly recommend!

[Edith Larose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing read! Loved everything about this book! The suspense, the mother/daughter relationship, the high school friendships that stay with you….I highly recommend!

[Michelle Brunette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great first novel. I can’t wait to read the next one that is currently in the works.

[Tricia Stenvers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a great easy ready
I throughly enjoyed it and have passed it on for others to read.
Can’t wait to read the next one

[Annie L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very easy read and has a bit of everything, suspense, love friendships, and mother daughter relationships.

[Carole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great book. I just couldn’t put it down. Lovely and easy to read. Truly recommended!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! It was an easy read and kept me guessing until the very end! A little bit of everything, relationships and love, intrigue and mystery.

[Jeri Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really really enjoyed this book from start to finish

[Corinne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing first novel! Easy to read and full of suspense.

[Mr. Jared · Rating 5 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed this book - thrillers aren't my go-to genre but this one was a real pleasure. I had a hard time putting it down!

[Michelle Sharma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was an easy read. Loved the psychological thriller parts of the story. Totally recommend it!

[Janie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first read from author Paula Quig. I enjoyed it, and it kept me wanting to read to find out what was going to happen. Very suspenseful if you reading suspense books.

[Jerrica Schillawski · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eh. There was some grammatical errors that I caught which just kind of turned me off. Not a super suspenseful/thrilling book except towards the ending. Short chapters and overall an okay plot

[Julie Eros · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this novel. Intriguing characters and a storyline that keeps you hooked to the very last page.

[Karen DelMastro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story.

[Karly Maroun · Rating 4 out of 5]

Captivating!

[Francine Hachey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome debut novel from this author. This book contains small chapters which I truly love. I am looking forward to many more books from this author.