The Dark Before Dawn

Gabriel McRay #1

by Laurie Stevens

High in the Santa Monica Mountains near Los Angeles, grisly murders are taking place. On each of the victim's bodies a note is left for L.A. Sheriff's detective, Gabriel McRay. The killer's identity is locked in the suppressed memory of a horrifying trauma from Gabriel's own childhood. Teamed with his forensic pathologist girlfriend and his psychiatrist, Gabriel runs two parallel investigations. The a dark journey into the terrifying recollections of his past and the the hunt for a serial killer who seems to know more about Gabriel... than he knows himself.

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Crime, Ebooks, Suspense, Amazon, Fiction

378 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 24, 2011

About the author

Laurie Stevens is the author of the Gabriel McRay thriller series. The books have won twelve awards, among them Kirkus Reviews Best of 2011 and a Random House Editors’ Book of the Month. International Thriller Writers claims she's "cracked the code" in regards to writing psychological suspense. Laurie co-edited the 2019 Sisters in Crime anthology Fatally Haunted, and her short stories have appeared in many anthologies and magazines. Laurie lives near the setting of her books, the Santa Monica Mountains, with her husband, two snakes, and a cat.
To learn more about Laurie, visit her website at https://lauriestevensbooks.com

Reviews

[Laurie Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here's the review of The Dark Before Dawn by Kirkus Review

The Dark Before Dawn was named to Kirkus Review's Best of 2011 and also received the Kirkus Star.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an excellent mystery/thriller, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Gabriel McRay, an L.A. Detective with an anger management issue, is drawn into a murder investigation that hits close to home - close to memories he has so far successfully repressed.

As he delves into his past with the help of a therapist, and discovers horrific trauma he has no conscious recollection of, the murders continue and it becomes clear that the killer has fixation with the detective who's trying to catch him - one that doesn't get revealed until nearly the end.

Twists and turns abound in this book, and it's a credit to the author that it never becomes confusing to follow along the rapidly paced events. It was a nail-biting race to the finish, and at about 30% in, I couldn't put this book down, because I simply had to know what would happen next.

Considering that this is a self-published novel, I was impressed with the finely tuned editing the story appears to have gone through - there are no superfluous actions or events, and nothing is left unanswered. Even the romance between Gabriel and Ming was nicely paced, and very realistically portrayed.

A proof reader might need to go over the final version again - I did find some misspellings, punctuation errors and there also seemed to be a word missing on occasion.

The writing is crisp and not overly detailed, and the tone is absolutely appropriate for this type of novel. The characters are well-developed, and their actions make sense.

It is also clear that the author has invested quite some time in her research. Anyone who enjoys a good murder mystery should give this book a try, although the squeamish might want to skip over the somewhat detailed accounts of the murders.

4 well-deserved stars. Apparently, there is going to be a sequel. If so, sign me up!

I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read The Dark Before Dawn as a Q&A with the author was coming up in my Goodreads book club. This book was a pleasant surprise. I found it to be a terrific read, and I finished it in 4 days which is much faster than usual. There were numerous reasons why I liked this book. The action began on page 1, drawing me in right away. I liked the way the author let me periodically get into the killer's head, whetting my appetite without giving anything away. The murderer's modus operandi was interesting and unique. The characters, especially the protagonist Gabriel McRay, were very well-developed and I found myself rooting hard for McRay. McRay, a police sergeant, is multi-flawed and saddled with demons. One of the major characters of the book is McRay's psychiatrist, Dr. B. The sessions between the psychiatrist and the police sergeant were fascinating. Getting to the bottom of McRay's issues was as interesting as the excellent story line involving cracking the case of the multiple murders. The author started doling out twists relatively early in the book and they kept coming. Just when you think the story is wrapping up, it's breaks open again. There was also a bit of romance, which I liked. The Dark Before Dawn is an excellent novel and I highly recommend it to all mystery/thriller lovers. I give it 4.5 stars. I have already purchased the 2nd book in the series, and I believe a 3rd book is to be published soon.

[Kathryn Magallanes · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like a great murder mystery, then this book is a perfect read. The author combines all of the elements to create a story that is suspenseful and chilling. The main character, Gabriel, has to overcome many demons - not only the sick and twisted criminals that is his duty to catch but fight his own demons that surface from his past. I cannot wait to read the second book to see what the future has in store for Gabriel. The book is captivating and I had a hard time putting the book down - my kids laughed that they never seen me so "intensley into" a book before.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gabriel McRay is a good cop, but when you have anger issues sometimes that is not enough to keep you on the job. After several incidents had been made public in the local newspaper, McRay had to seek the assistance of a psychologist and even then his superiors where ready to suspend him, until the serial killer they were tracking suddenly linked the reasons for the murders to an alleged past history between McRay and himself.
Like it or not, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is suddenly dependent upon McRay looking into his past to figure out who is the killer. Unfortunately, the past is the last place McRay wants to go and it is only with the help of Dr. Berkowitz that he is able to dredge up recollections and visit the dark places he has blocked since his less than stellar childhood.
The killer is striking fast and furiously using the seven chakras, a bodies energy centers, as the clue to his mindless bloody disfigurements and the disposal of the bodies. Not for the faint of heart, this blood-curdling thriller kept me up at night. With so many potential suspects, including the protagonist himself, we are left grasping at straws to the final pages to discover the final clue that brings it all home for McRay as he is forced to confront the evil done to him as a child in order to discover the true murderer.
Stevens nicely weaves together a troubled mind of the protagonist, the tentative beginnings of a relationship between him and the medical examiner Dr. Ming Li, and the start to a new police procedural series.

[Jody Hepps · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dark Before Dawn is the first in a new series by Lauries Stevens. The main character is a detective who can't seem to get a break. This ia a great thriller with descriptive sensory detail, and I couldn't put it down. There are characters you love to hate and a storyline that is full of surprises. I can't wait for the second book to come out. I found it on Amazon.com but have heard it is in book stores and libraries.

[Mickley Gantman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The was a really enjoyable read and went by way too fast. I read it in 3 days because I couldn't put it down! A true page-turner with a lot of heart and soul. I loved the use of psychology and the romance between Gabriel and Ming.

[Ctgt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good mix of psychology and forensics. Turned into a real page turner about halfway through the book. I'll be looking for the next installment.

[Margaret Mizushima · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dark Before Dawn is first in a mystery/thriller series featuring Detective Gabriel McRay and is set in the Santa Monica Mountains near L.A. Though McRay has been discharged from his post and is under psychiatric care for the trauma of abuse that has resulted in repressed memories from his past, he’s called back to duty when a grisly murder takes place and the killer leaves a note on the body that is addressed specifically to him. Several other murders follow, each leading McRay on a hunt for a serial killer while he works with his psychiatrist to unravel the secrets of his own traumatic past. I enjoyed following the twists and turns of this case, getting into McRay’s mind as he starts to doubt his own sanity and wonders if he, himself, is somehow responsible for the gruesome murders. Under the spell of author Laurie Stevens’ skillful plotting, I found myself on the edge of my seat and turning pages well into the night. I look forward to reading more in this series.

[Chrissy (The Every Free Chance Reader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 1/2 stars

Did I enjoy this book: I loved it. I couldn’t put it down!

The Dark Before Dawn is a complex, engaging murder mystery. It is written in a classic 3rd person style throughout. I like that Laurie Stevens avoids some of the trends of many contemporary authors where each chapter speaks from a different character’s point of view (think – Jodi Picoult style).

I also like that she didn’t follow the trend of murder mysteries being so over the top sexually perverse and gruesome that it gives you nightmares. In my humble opinion an example would be Stieg Larson with his popular The Girl with the Golden Tatoo like books.

Laurie Stevens sticks to the basics allowing her story to engage the reader with suspense and plot twists that keep you guessing until the last page.

The main character, Gabriel, is an LA cop on the edge. His psychiatrist suspects PTSD stemming from some repressed memory. Gabriel’s psychological mysteries are juxtaposed against the murder mystery he’s investigating. The two become intertwined leaving us with chapter after chapter of “whodunit” moments.

Overall, the suspense is as high as the California mountains. The plot twists and winds like the streets of San Francisco. And finally, the climax is hits you like a splash of ice cold northern Pacific water. (If you’re wondering, “What was she drinking when she wrote this?” Read the book, it’ll all make sense.)

Would I recommend it: Absolutely. It’s a great book.

Will I read it again: I will not. Once you know the ending of a murder mystery, it kind of ruins the prospect of a second reading.

As reviewed by Belinda at Every Free Chance Book Reviews.

http://everyfreechance.com/2013/11/re...

[Marni Tagami · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have just downloaded the free sample for my Nook and will start reading it.

I love a novel that combines psychology and crime, an unbeatable combination. This novel fascinated me and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. The murderer was very frightening, and the mystery of his connection to Ray kept my curiosity piqued all the way to the reveal. I loved the way the author gradually led Ray and thus the reader along the pathway of his past step by step. I found him to be a vulnerable, sensitive character who drew my sympathy. I was as intrguied by the mystery of his past as I was to find out the identity of the killer. Really good story. I hope the next one comes out soon, Ms. Stevens.


P.S. Just found out the new one is out for those of you who don't know. It's called DEEP INTO DUSK. It carries on with Ray's story. Looking forward to getting it and reading it very soon.

[Sheila Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dark Before Dawn is a fast-paced, exciting psychological thriller. Laurie Stevens does a masterful job of developing both the characters and the plot. The twists and turns which focus on the present as well as the past, weave a very interesting story in which the main character must battle his own demons from the past while trying to solve a series of brutal murders. As a new writer, I believe Ms. Stevens has written a novel which is even more thrilling than those of most of the more well-known authors of the genre. She puts a fresh, new perspective into the mix of books which generally tell the same old story. This is definitely not your typical psychological thriller. This is a must read novel. I look forward to reading any books Ms. Stevens publishes in the future.

[Rio · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow, this book has received several raving reviews!! I certainly commend L. Stevens on several unique uses of imagery and wit.
I would have certainly given it a higher rating if only based on her talent and skill as an author!
However, while I completely understand the design of the plot I felt Det. G. McRay's personal problems overshadowed her creation of a unique killer living in a delusional macbre world of psychosis. It also made for a rather predictable storyline.
BUT... it IS a good mystery to dive into. I also believe with Stevens creative use of language and imagination this is the beginning of a successful series. I will certainly look out for the next in the series!!

[Lee Erb · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book begins with us the reader behind the eyes of the vicious and twisted Malibu Canyon killer luring a victim to his demise. We are then transported to a session between Dr. B and Detective Gabriel McRay, discovering that Gabe has been having some trouble lately controlling his temper. When the killer strikes next, he leaves a note for Gabe, causing his less than amused lieutenant to put him back on duty to assist with the case.

I really enjoyed this book switching between the murderer and the hero, delving deep into Gabe's issues and just simply wondering what happened to him and what is going to happen next. Very suspensful. I will be checking out book two in the series.

[Craig Buck · Rating 4 out of 5]

This debut is a great read, self-assured, well plotted, but most of all populated by complex, well-drawn, understandably flawed characters. If there is a weakness here, it is in Laurie Stevens's tyro mistake of giving us too much psychological explanation. Some of the Adlerian psychology would have been better left to subtext, but Stevens is skillful enough to avoid outright exposition, handling the academics through the vehicle of the protagonist detective's therapy sessions (for excessive violence on the job). Highly recommended.

[Mary Hamer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this truly gripping as I read into it. Disturbing in its implications --don't want to give the plot away!--and a good sense of threat, plus psychologically intriguing. But I had to admit I got irritated by the way the plot began to twist and turn, gratuitously in the lst quarter of te book. All the features I'd valued it for , the insights, the tension, seemed to be cast aside by the author in a mad rush for ever-heightened excitement. i stopped being able to invest in the story. Disappointing.

[Will Decker · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you enjoy damaged cops working through their problems, bright beautiful women that fall in love with damaged cops, serial killers that target damaged cops, and a boss suffering from "Little People Syndrome" (inferiority complex) that constantly picks on the damaged cop, this is the story for you. Although there is lots of violence, murder, and sexual tension, there is little in the way of graphic descriptors to get your blood hot. Editing was not very clean, but all in all, I enjoyed this story and will read more from this author.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent police procedural/mystery story. It was a bit graphic in spots for my liking, but well-written. The characters were interesting and believable. This was a very fast read for me which means I kept picking it up every chance I got. I read this as part of a group read for the Mystery, Crime and Thriller Group June/July read. Very glad I did. I believe that this is the author's first of a series. I will look for the follow up to this book.

[Kathryn Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cop with a history of violence is in trouble for his behavior and possibly on the way out. But they need his skills to solve a series of murders. Only the murderer seems to know him, and leaves him notes with each body.
Very deep story and unsettling subject matter as he finds out that he has blocked out the fact that he was abused as a child.
Don't like those kinds of stories usually, but this one was done well.

[Stephen Buehler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laurie Stevens does a great job of providing a thriller of a book. Detective Gabriel McRay is a complicated character whose layers of complications are pealed away throughout the book. I've always like serial killer books and Ms. Stevens' villain doesn't disappoint. He's crafty and unpredictable leaving you guessing until the end. If you like any of what I've just written you'll like The Dark Before the Dawn by Laurie Stevens.

[G Hodges · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always forget to add Kindle books to my reading list. I actually started reading this last week and finished it today. Very well written, well developed and plotted. The main character device was chilling, especially with his unfolding awareness of his childhood. Something tweaks at me which keeps me from giving it 5 stars. I have to figure out what it is.

[Barbara Topper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a fan of this genre and this is one of most unpredictable and exciting reads I've had in a long time. The characters were mesmerizing and the research was incredible.
I'd love to see more from this author.

[Coby Kibrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was totally bowled over by the images this author evokes. Skilled, taut writing -- and from a new author who is also a playwright. This is someone to watch very carefully. I am eagerly awaiting the next book in this series.

[Shell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good police procedural relating efforts made to locate and stop a serial killer. The crime scenes were too graphic. I did learn a bit more about symptoms of 'Post Traumatic Stress Disorder', fugue states, and chakras.

[Connie Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't say enough good things about this thriller. It's a total page turner, well-crafted, with a unique detective and lots of twists and turns. One of the best and most exciting thrillers I've read in a long time.

[Carole Marsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read a lot of mysteries and thrillers and this one is at the top of my list. Let me put it to you this way - I'm hooked and can't wait for the second one!

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the twists and turns of this book.

[Cynthia Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just read this page turner, a must read thriller!!

[A. Dinsmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read. I was left feeling totally disturbed and creeped out... something I've been waiting for a book to do for me!

[Kelly Riker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I guessed most of the plot, the book is still a good mystery/thriller. I liked the cast of characters. Being from the Los Angeles San Fernando Valley area, I loved the locale as well.