What do you think?
Rate this book
Jon Stanton Thrillers #2
Walk in Darkness
A Killer Hunts his Victims. . .
A sinister executioner in the grip of frenzy. Self-realized with a penchant for butchery, he finds pleasure in the vicious murders of those most vulnerable and calls himself, The Sandman.
A Detective Pulled Into a World he Thought he Left Behind. . .
It has been three years since Detective Jonathan Stanton solved the most brutal murder in San Diego's history, and as a result found himself in the middle of the worst police corruption scandal in memory. Choosing a less high-profile position, Stanton is nevertheless reluctantly dragged into the violent world of The Sandman.
Jon Stanton Meets his Equal . . .
The Sandman is clever, ruthless, and cautious. He leaves no evidence in his wake and takes a morbid interest in those that chase him. Believing Stanton to be his parallel, he finds an affinity for the detective. One that Stanton may not survive . . .
A sinister executioner in the grip of frenzy. Self-realized with a penchant for butchery, he finds pleasure in the vicious murders of those most vulnerable and calls himself, The Sandman.
A Detective Pulled Into a World he Thought he Left Behind. . .
It has been three years since Detective Jonathan Stanton solved the most brutal murder in San Diego's history, and as a result found himself in the middle of the worst police corruption scandal in memory. Choosing a less high-profile position, Stanton is nevertheless reluctantly dragged into the violent world of The Sandman.
Jon Stanton Meets his Equal . . .
The Sandman is clever, ruthless, and cautious. He leaves no evidence in his wake and takes a morbid interest in those that chase him. Believing Stanton to be his parallel, he finds an affinity for the detective. One that Stanton may not survive . . .
242 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 9, 2011
1449 people are currently reading
1080 people want to read
About the author
Victor Methos
75 books2,092 followersVictor Methos is the Edgar Award nominated bestselling author of over forty novels. He has been a criminal and civil rights lawyer in the Mountain West, conducting over 100 trials, and produces two books a year with his dog Fraiser by his side.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 201 reviews
April 14, 2016
I’m starting to detect a certain pattern now that I read my 3rd Jon Stanton book; there always seem to be one or more police officers that are corrupt or evil, and Jon always seem to get shot or injured. It’s getting a bit tedious, to be honest. I wonder if this pattern will be repeated in the rest of the series.
Walk in the Darkness is not as well constructed as the other Stanton books I’ve read so far. It felt disjointed; as a sex crimes detective in the San Diego Police Department, Stanton's investigation into the abduction and disappearance of 3 teenage girls doesn’t move forward, losing all his time because he has to fight a lawsuit and undergo an Internal Affairs investigation. As the reader, we already know who the perpetrator is, but Stanton is still in the dark, and when finally the pieces fall together at the end of the book, it was a total rush-job. It lacked resolution. It lacked the answers to many of my questions.
Walk in the Darkness is not as well constructed as the other Stanton books I’ve read so far. It felt disjointed; as a sex crimes detective in the San Diego Police Department, Stanton's investigation into the abduction and disappearance of 3 teenage girls doesn’t move forward, losing all his time because he has to fight a lawsuit and undergo an Internal Affairs investigation. As the reader, we already know who the perpetrator is, but Stanton is still in the dark, and when finally the pieces fall together at the end of the book, it was a total rush-job. It lacked resolution. It lacked the answers to many of my questions.
January 21, 2020
It’s not a good sign whenever an author — in this case, Victor Methos — needs to include “a thriller” in his book’s title, as if his readers will need reminding that they are supposed to be thrilled. So it was with this trepidation that I began reading “Walk in Darkness — A Thriller.” At least on my edition of his book’s cover page, Mr. Methos has his title printed in lower case letters, telling his readers subliminally that any thrills will be small ones. Having read Walk in Darkness, however, the better description would have been A YAWNER (all in caps).
Another bad sign is when the book’s hero, Detective Jon Stanton, and his employer, San Diego County’s Sex Crimes Strike Force, and the city and county of San Diego are sued for the wrongful death of a pedophile suspected in the abduction of three young girls. Never mind that there was no negligence which caused his death and that no jury would ever want to award his estate money, not just because he was a pedophile but especially because a large judgment against the city or county might result in higher taxes — to the jurors. This laborious lawsuit sideshow only served to make a book which at nearly 350 pages was too long to begin with, even longer. And frankly, I was offended that the author thought a pedophile was deserving of my sympathy.
A final red flag is the author’s need to let us know that the hotshot lawyer who filed the wrongful death lawsuit, and Stanton’s muscular partner on the Strike Force, are black. Aside from some Hispanic cops posing as drug dealers, no other characters are identified by their race, and being told that these two are black does not advance or enhance the story any more than not being told Stanton’s skin color.
For his part, Detective Stanton has a Ph.D. in psychology and works to catch sex criminals. He is divorced because his wife feared for his safety everyday when he went off to work, though she still loves him so it’s not clear how the divorce helps her not to still worry about him. The author also describes his detective hero as a Mormon who loves surfing, though neither description is relevant to the story.
By the end of the book, though, and thanks to the author’s ineptitude as a writer, I still had no idea what Stanton looked like — which made it even easier to forget about him.
Another bad sign is when the book’s hero, Detective Jon Stanton, and his employer, San Diego County’s Sex Crimes Strike Force, and the city and county of San Diego are sued for the wrongful death of a pedophile suspected in the abduction of three young girls. Never mind that there was no negligence which caused his death and that no jury would ever want to award his estate money, not just because he was a pedophile but especially because a large judgment against the city or county might result in higher taxes — to the jurors. This laborious lawsuit sideshow only served to make a book which at nearly 350 pages was too long to begin with, even longer. And frankly, I was offended that the author thought a pedophile was deserving of my sympathy.
A final red flag is the author’s need to let us know that the hotshot lawyer who filed the wrongful death lawsuit, and Stanton’s muscular partner on the Strike Force, are black. Aside from some Hispanic cops posing as drug dealers, no other characters are identified by their race, and being told that these two are black does not advance or enhance the story any more than not being told Stanton’s skin color.
For his part, Detective Stanton has a Ph.D. in psychology and works to catch sex criminals. He is divorced because his wife feared for his safety everyday when he went off to work, though she still loves him so it’s not clear how the divorce helps her not to still worry about him. The author also describes his detective hero as a Mormon who loves surfing, though neither description is relevant to the story.
By the end of the book, though, and thanks to the author’s ineptitude as a writer, I still had no idea what Stanton looked like — which made it even easier to forget about him.
November 9, 2025
Loved the ending
And the idea that if you perform evil acts,evil will eventually get you. Glad for the justice but wanted to know for sure what happened to the victims. Compels me to read the next book in this series.
And the idea that if you perform evil acts,evil will eventually get you. Glad for the justice but wanted to know for sure what happened to the victims. Compels me to read the next book in this series.
August 1, 2019
Been here before, perhaps?
This book has pretty much the same format as the first, even down to more corrupt cops and Stanton quitting the police only to get his job back later but I still found it entertaining. Everyone seems to want the worst for our hero: the police chief, fellow detectives, even his girlfriend but he can't be put down, despite always being shot! It all adds to the tension and suspense but the plot is forever held back with his involvement with his ex wife and surfing in the middle of the night, it just shows the pace somewhat. This instalment isn't a seamless continuation from book 1, that possibly ends too abruptly for some, but is does deal with some of those issues. However, at the end it does leave more questions unanswered, paving the way for #3 I guess. I'll certainly read it but I hope for a little more variation.
This book has pretty much the same format as the first, even down to more corrupt cops and Stanton quitting the police only to get his job back later but I still found it entertaining. Everyone seems to want the worst for our hero: the police chief, fellow detectives, even his girlfriend but he can't be put down, despite always being shot! It all adds to the tension and suspense but the plot is forever held back with his involvement with his ex wife and surfing in the middle of the night, it just shows the pace somewhat. This instalment isn't a seamless continuation from book 1, that possibly ends too abruptly for some, but is does deal with some of those issues. However, at the end it does leave more questions unanswered, paving the way for #3 I guess. I'll certainly read it but I hope for a little more variation.
April 20, 2023
**3.5 Rounded Up**
'Hell is empty, and all the devils are here.'
-William Shakespeare
This felt like rereading the first book in the series?? It was way too similar: corrupt cops, Stanton getting injured, Stanton leaves the force, Stanton comes back to the force, to everyone turning their backs on Stanton.
I was still entertained and loved the crime part of it, but one thing I hope continues in the third installment is the ending to this one. There are a lot of unanswered questions to this crime. Please don't leave me hanging!
'Hell is empty, and all the devils are here.'
-William Shakespeare
This felt like rereading the first book in the series?? It was way too similar: corrupt cops, Stanton getting injured, Stanton leaves the force, Stanton comes back to the force, to everyone turning their backs on Stanton.
I was still entertained and loved the crime part of it, but one thing I hope continues in the third installment is the ending to this one. There are a lot of unanswered questions to this crime. Please don't leave me hanging!
June 5, 2017
This is the second in the Jon Stanton series. Jon is a dull, boring guy, divorced from his wife but still friends, dad of two boys, has a PhD in psychology but is a detective. is a Mormon who doesn't drink caffeine or alcohol and doesn't have sex. He is as bland as anyone can get but is dedicated to putting away bad guys, especially those who hurt kids or women. The Sandman is such a creeper and even when Jon is taken off the job, he keeps trying to solve the case of who is killing very young girls. He runs into some real sickos and an Internal Affairs fanatic who has plenty to hide himself.
March 16, 2020
Not his best
I’ve really enjoyed Methos’ other books, but I had trouble with this one. It seemed to jump around a lot and the ending seemed off. Oh well, not every hit is a home run. Not a bad book, jus not as good as his others.
I’ve really enjoyed Methos’ other books, but I had trouble with this one. It seemed to jump around a lot and the ending seemed off. Oh well, not every hit is a home run. Not a bad book, jus not as good as his others.
February 1, 2024
Convince Stanton to Retire
If you like Stanton, you will be concerned by the end of this novel. Enough so that you might suggest he retires. Of course, he still solves many crimes, so he might have a couple of novels left in him.
If you like Stanton, you will be concerned by the end of this novel. Enough so that you might suggest he retires. Of course, he still solves many crimes, so he might have a couple of novels left in him.
September 16, 2019
Great but the ending
The book is a definite page turner but the ending could be flushed out a bit more. You get any clue as to the IAB detective's familiar attachment. The flashbacks to youth are odd because if he did his grandparents why does someone else's mental health bother him so much. Was Calvin the Sandman what did he do with the girls. What about the sex parties? It some how seems unfinished. There seem
To be a ton of side stories, what about the lawyer?
The book is a definite page turner but the ending could be flushed out a bit more. You get any clue as to the IAB detective's familiar attachment. The flashbacks to youth are odd because if he did his grandparents why does someone else's mental health bother him so much. Was Calvin the Sandman what did he do with the girls. What about the sex parties? It some how seems unfinished. There seem
To be a ton of side stories, what about the lawyer?
October 2, 2022
Unfortunately the book came to an abrupt ending which left the reader with lots of outstanding questions. One of the questions was WHAT HAPPENED TO THE BODIES? Another is WHAT HAPPENED TO THE INVESTIGATION INTO JON’S PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT
I looked to see if there was a second part to this book or a section that hadn’t downloaded. It seemed like the writer became bored and ended the book without rounding it off.
I’ve read and enjoyed 4 of his books so was surprised by the change.
I looked to see if there was a second part to this book or a section that hadn’t downloaded. It seemed like the writer became bored and ended the book without rounding it off.
I’ve read and enjoyed 4 of his books so was surprised by the change.
April 29, 2012
It was as if I was re-reading the first book A White Angel Murder. More surfing, more corruption...Stanton quits the force again, but surprise!-he rejoins. I'm hoping for more with the 3rd installment (free kindle edition). I found a lot of grammer mistakes too! Is that common with ebooks? Either way it's annoying.
July 15, 2023
I read this one out of order because a lot of people said it was just like the first so I skipped it. I have no idea why they said that, there are some similarities but it’s also completely different. Loved reading from the villain’s POV and of course we had some police corruption. Maybe in the next book Jon Stanton won’t get his ass kicked so badly 😭
December 1, 2024
Wow
This was an explosive book there were some twists and turns and someone trying to frame him. That is.my most hated trope and when someone is falsely accused I get annoyed.and stop reading. I.persevered on this and I am glad I did. The ending was a shock. B this was not as.gruesome as.some of these authors books either. I.like.Jon.
This was an explosive book there were some twists and turns and someone trying to frame him. That is.my most hated trope and when someone is falsely accused I get annoyed.and stop reading. I.persevered on this and I am glad I did. The ending was a shock. B this was not as.gruesome as.some of these authors books either. I.like.Jon.
November 20, 2012
I really wanted to like this writer, but alas, I don't. I thought I would learn more about the Mormon Church than I did and I'm just not particularly interested in surfing. The crime story was choppy and uninteresting.
November 27, 2014
a good read but wish I'd noticed it was a series and read book one first
December 27, 2017
What detective on earth has time to do this much surfing? None that I know of! But, the story was entertaining although better editing is needed. Typos and poor grammar shouldn't be here.
May 31, 2019
Left in "The Dark"
This book had so much potential, but just too unbelievable. I had no problem with the religious aspects, but it felt random and undeveloped. Still in love with his ex-wife and longing for his family, yet carrying on a passionate affair with a co-worker didn't make sense to me. And the multiple, serious injuries he sustains with little to no healing time or lingering after effects made him seem like a super hero. Too much detail about what people were eating, and not enough attention to tying u the several plot strands --which were interesting. (What happened to the wealthy family sponsoring the sex parties, and how was the school officer not sanctioned for not reporting the child abuse? What happened to Karen? What in the world was the deal with the attorney who initiated the lawsuits? So much time spent on depositions etc. then no conclusion. Speaking of conclusions, there wasn't one. I guess, to be continued....
In fairness, this (book 2) was the first book I read in the series, so perhaps some things might make more sense if I were to go back and read the first one. And perhaps book 3 will the up some of the loose threads.. But I'd like to know in advance if books should be read in order, and I don't appreciate having to read the next book to find out what happened. Please could you just add a couple more chapters? I love detective mysteries, and I liked this Jon Stanton character, but this just left me in "the dark".
This book had so much potential, but just too unbelievable. I had no problem with the religious aspects, but it felt random and undeveloped. Still in love with his ex-wife and longing for his family, yet carrying on a passionate affair with a co-worker didn't make sense to me. And the multiple, serious injuries he sustains with little to no healing time or lingering after effects made him seem like a super hero. Too much detail about what people were eating, and not enough attention to tying u the several plot strands --which were interesting. (What happened to the wealthy family sponsoring the sex parties, and how was the school officer not sanctioned for not reporting the child abuse? What happened to Karen? What in the world was the deal with the attorney who initiated the lawsuits? So much time spent on depositions etc. then no conclusion. Speaking of conclusions, there wasn't one. I guess, to be continued....
In fairness, this (book 2) was the first book I read in the series, so perhaps some things might make more sense if I were to go back and read the first one. And perhaps book 3 will the up some of the loose threads.. But I'd like to know in advance if books should be read in order, and I don't appreciate having to read the next book to find out what happened. Please could you just add a couple more chapters? I love detective mysteries, and I liked this Jon Stanton character, but this just left me in "the dark".
August 12, 2019
Stanton is a thoughtful detective but not as bright as one would expect him to be. He tends to rub his bosses the wrong way. This book begins with Stanton tracking a suspect to a rooftop. The suspect jumps. Later a ruthless attorney sees this as a perfect case to get back to the SDPD. He tracks down the suspect’s mother and gets her to file an unlawful death case against the SDPD and Stanton specifically. The book goes from that case to Stanton deciding the guy might not have been guilty. It is well written like all Methos authored books but it misses the mark with me. Stanton keeps doing things out of character. He is tainted by his friendship with former police chief Harlow and some in the department want to see him and the other ‘friend’ of the infamous police chief kicked out. And, the ending kinds leaves you hanging. Having said all that it is still a strong book but with less likeable players. We know Stanton survives because there are more books in the series.
September 6, 2020
First introduction to Victor Methos and the Jon Stanton character; will no doubt be my last. This is the most boring book I've read this year. From other reviews, I gather this is part of a series. Page after page after page of descriptions of Stanton's surfing, injuries, surfing, beaches, surfing, love life, surfing ... omg, would it never end? The whole book was a description of Stanton and his life. There was a brief mention of the girl(s) I presume were meant to be the victim(s), but they did not appear again. The last 12 pages (Kindle edition) were supposed to bring the book to a conclusion, and I found it rushed and basically stupid, as if the author didn't know how to end the book so came up with an unbelievable ending in a big hurry. Not for me.
May 22, 2019
I’m being generous
I had to finish it but, overall, it was just okay. The writing and editing were good but the main character was not believable at all. He was portrayed as the million-dollar man (you have to be old enough to know who that was) but he was injured several times and just kept on going like the Energizer Bunny. The only good/sane person in the book was his ex-wife; everyone else was majorly messed up. Certainly not a must-read in my book. This is probably the worst review I’ve ever given a book but, as I said, I did have to finish it.
I had to finish it but, overall, it was just okay. The writing and editing were good but the main character was not believable at all. He was portrayed as the million-dollar man (you have to be old enough to know who that was) but he was injured several times and just kept on going like the Energizer Bunny. The only good/sane person in the book was his ex-wife; everyone else was majorly messed up. Certainly not a must-read in my book. This is probably the worst review I’ve ever given a book but, as I said, I did have to finish it.
February 28, 2020
Another Winner
I’m quickly falling in love with this series and Jon Stanton. He’s smart, kind but mysterious and has this dark edge that can tap into the most depraved criminal mind, which makes him a brilliant but kinda scary detective. I feel so sorry for him because he really loves his ex but he can’t seem to give up being a cop, it’s too central to who he is as a person. The book ended a little abruptly for me but I have to read the next book in the series to find out what happened to him! Real page turner!
I’m quickly falling in love with this series and Jon Stanton. He’s smart, kind but mysterious and has this dark edge that can tap into the most depraved criminal mind, which makes him a brilliant but kinda scary detective. I feel so sorry for him because he really loves his ex but he can’t seem to give up being a cop, it’s too central to who he is as a person. The book ended a little abruptly for me but I have to read the next book in the series to find out what happened to him! Real page turner!
March 22, 2020
Another 5 Star 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 gripping novel
I'm still in shock from the ending so I'm at a loss for words. I sure didn't see that coming. It's fascinating how a writer can create such a spider's web with his characters then how he makes them all come together in the center to relate. I am really liking this author. My favorite has always been Patricia Cornwell but Mr. Methos is gaining ground. Their stories are different but love the style of writing. Going to proceed to 3rd book to see what happens.
I'm still in shock from the ending so I'm at a loss for words. I sure didn't see that coming. It's fascinating how a writer can create such a spider's web with his characters then how he makes them all come together in the center to relate. I am really liking this author. My favorite has always been Patricia Cornwell but Mr. Methos is gaining ground. Their stories are different but love the style of writing. Going to proceed to 3rd book to see what happens.
February 22, 2019
This is the 2and series in the book and it was actually better than the first book. Jon is a brilliant but troubled genius Police Detective. He is divorced with 2 son's and he is still in love with his ex wife. The storyline involved the politics of the Internal Affairs investigation of follow police officers, and the demons created by Child Abuse. I finally figured out the ending in the next to last chapter and the ending was excellent.
August 20, 2019
This is the style of writing I like - short, sharp, well-written sentences, the right amount of detail that adds to the story, and a well-paced plot with believable characters in a suspenseful tale that made me want to finish it. [An increasingly rare occurrence for me]. The final twist was a surprise - perhaps a little too twisted, but as the story kept me engrossed from start to finish I reckon it's worth 5 stars.
October 18, 2019
Good but could have been better
The story line got off to a good start, but the book's lack of real action made it rather bland. The twist of a protagonist in the ranks was a good addition, but why he chose the main character to turn against was not clear. The family having sex parties for school kids was over the top and not believable. I suspect this author has written better than this mediocre fiction.
The story line got off to a good start, but the book's lack of real action made it rather bland. The twist of a protagonist in the ranks was a good addition, but why he chose the main character to turn against was not clear. The family having sex parties for school kids was over the top and not believable. I suspect this author has written better than this mediocre fiction.
April 17, 2020
Another Stanton Mystery Solved
I feel I must damn Mr. Methos with faint praise. This is an interesting read that kept my interest throughout, but had a rather stilted and unsatisfactory ending.
I suppose he felt it necessary to leave us hanging with bated breath, anticipating "Stanton Book 3" but I don't agree.
However, who am I after all, but one fish in the pond of Methos' readers.
I feel I must damn Mr. Methos with faint praise. This is an interesting read that kept my interest throughout, but had a rather stilted and unsatisfactory ending.
I suppose he felt it necessary to leave us hanging with bated breath, anticipating "Stanton Book 3" but I don't agree.
However, who am I after all, but one fish in the pond of Methos' readers.
July 28, 2022
A terrific thriller
Any case involving children has to be one of the worst things for any Police Officer, or anyone involved. Not only is Detective Stanton consumed by this case, but now he has others gunning for him as well. It's an intense and intriguing story with many unexpected twists that will keep you guessing until the end.
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.
Any case involving children has to be one of the worst things for any Police Officer, or anyone involved. Not only is Detective Stanton consumed by this case, but now he has others gunning for him as well. It's an intense and intriguing story with many unexpected twists that will keep you guessing until the end.
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.
April 27, 2023
Entertaining Crime Thriller
From an entertainment standpoint this is a solid read. There is plenty of tension and some action. Only a few of the characters are likeable, but most are interesting. The story was more about Jon and his demons, some of his own making, and some from within the department. For a PHD in psychology, he seems to be a little naive at times. The ending left it to the reader to reason out many nagging questions.
From an entertainment standpoint this is a solid read. There is plenty of tension and some action. Only a few of the characters are likeable, but most are interesting. The story was more about Jon and his demons, some of his own making, and some from within the department. For a PHD in psychology, he seems to be a little naive at times. The ending left it to the reader to reason out many nagging questions.
July 10, 2023
Wow! What? Didn’t see that ending.
Now that was a fabulous read! I enjoyed the character development, the plot unfolding and the ending a complete surprise. Who ends a novel like Victor Methos did? Jon Stanton was a unique fellow, able to remember all kinds of facts and figures and can psychologically profile anyone. Just what you need in a police detective and a PhD in psychology to boot. No wonder he can solve the unsolvable cases. Great book.
Now that was a fabulous read! I enjoyed the character development, the plot unfolding and the ending a complete surprise. Who ends a novel like Victor Methos did? Jon Stanton was a unique fellow, able to remember all kinds of facts and figures and can psychologically profile anyone. Just what you need in a police detective and a PhD in psychology to boot. No wonder he can solve the unsolvable cases. Great book.
June 26, 2018
I enjoyed the story but there were a few glitches in it. The young man rode to the hospital with his mother in the ambulance but when he was walking out of the hospital, he got into his car. How did that happen? Some other little errors by the author that some one proof reading it should have caught.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 201 reviews