The Man Feared by Darkness

Rooker Lindström #3

by Pete Zacharias

No one is safe when a crime reporter confronts the secrets of his dark past in a terrifying novel of revenge and redemption by the author of The Man Trapped by Shadows.

The son of a serial killer, investigative reporter Rooker Lindström has been shadowed by death. He believes the worst is behind him, until a body is discovered in California that matches the MO of Tate Meachum, the Madman killer. But Meachum, who counted Rooker’s son among his victims, has been in prison all these years. Did Rooker help lock away the wrong man? Or is the latest kill the work of a copycat?

PI Tess Harlow doesn’t want to be involved this Rooker has taken years off her life. But she also knows that Rooker returning to California is sure to spell trouble…and Rooker talking to Meachum is the least of their problems. Do Meachum’s mind games hold the key to the puzzle, or are they just another distraction covering up yet another crime? Rooker is sure the murders are meant for him…but why?

For Rooker, on this final hunt, the most disturbing truths are yet to come.

Genres: Fiction, Thriller

287 pages, Paperback

First published July 23, 2024

About the author

Pete Zacharias received a BA in English with a concentration in creative writing. He is a lover of Nordic noir, dark thrillers, and anything spy, and credits Michael Connelly’s The Poet as the novel that inspired him to become a writer. The Man Burned by Winter is Pete’s first novel.

Pete grew up in Milford, Connecticut, received a BA in English with a concentration in Creative Writing, and now bounces around between Connecticut and Rhode Island.

Reviews

[Jordyn Kastlunger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was lucky enough to get my hands on an advanced reader copy! What a phenomenal end to the Rooker Lindström thriller series! Just when you think you know what’s going to happen, the author throws another twist your way. Once I started to read, I couldn’t put it down and had to know what came next. For anyone who enjoys thrillers similar to those written by Stieg Larsson, Michael Connelly, and Harlan Coben, this book is for you. The author does a great job of making you feel like you’re part of the story.

[Heather Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was really looking forward to reading the third book in this series and was so grateful to get an advanced reader copy! The third book did not disappoint!!! It did a really good job of connecting all three books and tying everything together. I was fascinated to continue getting to know Rooker and see him grow. There were a lot of twists that kept me guessing!! I am looking forward to reading more books by this author in the future.

[Walter Purcell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was lucky enough to get an advance copy of The Man Feared by Darkness and I found the book exceptional and a must read. This book is well written and the best thriller I've read in a long time. The plot keeps moving at a breakneck pace with twists and turns galore. The author pulls you in and keeps you guessing to the very end. Hard to put down.

[Gemini · Rating 4 out of 5]

OMFG

Man, this story was crazy! The crimes were so gruesome. The villain was unstoppable. His minions were terrible. Rooker was as bright and tenacious as he’d been in the previous books. This time around, it seemed like he was way out of his league. The story continued to have wild twists and turns all the way through the epilogue. I didn’t see any of it coming. It’s been awhile since I read the first two books. I wish I had gone back to read them again. I felt like some references from the earlier books went over my head.

4.5 Stars

[Nat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’d been looking forward to this last instalment of what has been an amazing series of books, so when the author kindly sent me an advanced readers copy, I was thrilled.
It was so good to reacquaint myself with Rooker, a character I’ve come to love despite his tortured past. The plot and story continue where they left off and offer multiple twists and turns throughout that made it hard to put the book down. A must read.

[Cori · Rating 5 out of 5]

So sad this series is done. I recommend it to all of my friends.

This is one series I wish I could read for the first time over and over.

[Dani Boise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Thomas & Mercer for the ARC!

BIG thanks to Brilliance for the approval (FINALLY) to read and review!
Idk what y'all's approval procedures are but it was HARD to get one single approval from you (LMAO)

ANYWAY, I loved this! I'm sort of bummed this is the end of the Rooker Lindstrom trilogy as I've loved getting to know his character over these three stories.

Let me start with: At the beginning of my review of book 2 I said: "Thank you Thomas & Mercer for the ARC to read & review!
The opposite of 'thank you' to Pete Zacharias FOR THAT ENDING (insert broken heart emoji)"

Even after Mr. Zacharias did THAT to readers at the end of book 2, I was still excited to see Book 3 come up. But like-- you DID IT AGAIN!?!?! UGH, if you've read this you know that ending was whiplash and emotionally exhausting (lol'ing and sobbing).

This, as usual, was descriptively written and super fast paced. This is heavy on the police procedural as it is based in the FBI investigation; there are a couple times you wonder if Rooker and Tess are going to go off the rails and do their own thing. There were some red herrings and good twists along the way to finding out the identity of the Madman. As with the last book the chapters from the Madman's POV were creepy and insightful. The fact this person has a family is mind-blowing and so interesting.

The narrator for this felt so perfect with his deep, gravely voice. He brought Rooker to life wonderfully (this is the first book in the series I've listened to audio).

I love the writing and I'll read whatever Pete comes out with next!

[Darlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great job in writing this third book in the Rooker Lindstrom series, I’m really not sure if this is how the series ends or if there will be another book.
Lots of nonstop action and many killings by the man they call the Madman. Very confusing as to why he is tormenting Rooker, and wants him dead. He’s had plenty of chances to kill Rooker, but the Madman kills others to add to very confusing puzzle. And who is the Madman? Very good ending, to what might be the end of the series.

[Lynn Fehn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley for an advanced copy! So happy that I got to read the third installment before the release date. I’ve really come to love the main character, Rooker, and his tortured past. The third installment brings back a familiar face, and takes place on the west coast while trying to uncover if Meachum really killed Rookers son, or was there more to it? You get some closure, but I think there is a little left unsaid. Great twisty ending to the series, but leaves you wondering if there’s gonna be a fourth.

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had an opportunity to read an advanced reader’s copy of this story. This was my favorite book in the Rooker Lindstrom series, just as you think you know where things might go the author surprises you with new twists / details I truly didn’t see coming. I enjoyed the Southern California setting that felt like a nice change up from the other two books in the series. I don’t read thrillers often but certainly enjoyed this read as it kept me curious and engaged til the very end. It’s definitely a page turner. Can’t wait to see what other books this author has up next!

[Máire · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, I enjoyed the series though I did get tired of the unnecessary character conflicts that appeared to be created and were superficially resolved (ex: Esparza and Rooker; Rooker and Tess). I thought the plot was overall entertaining and I did enjoy how it brought the story from the first two books full circle.

Random side note— I also feel like the author just discovered the words “snickered” and “sauntered.” All of the characters were either snickering or sauntering, even when the word choice wasn’t the best fit. It drove me nuts by the time I got to the end of the book.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK. So I had to wait a bit before writing my review.
I needed my heart rate to get back down into THIS stratosphere before delving in again...

Rooker Lindstrom is/was a crime reporter. He has a bit of an upper hand with this, as he is the son of a serial killer...and so, he was exposed to the craziness of life with a murderer.
All was well and good, until his little boy, only 11 years old, was murdered.
And...Rooker could NOT rest until that killer was behind bars. And so he worked ruthlessly to put him there. And he has been there (in jail) for many years.
But one day Rooker gets a phone call from the FBI. A woman's body was found in a drainpipe. Same MO. Can he get on the next plane out to CA to help?

Believe me, he doesn't WANT to do this, but he HAS to!
And he starts by confronting Meachum, the convicted killer, the one behind bars.
He want to know...does he have an accomplice? What's going on? But he doesn't get much, and the "Madman" is still very loco in the head!

We follow Rooker, Tess and the whole crew the FBI has strung together to try to get to the bottom of this copycat case.

If you are feint of heart...DO NOT!! I MEAN...DO NOT...PICK THIS BOOK UP!

It took me about an hour before I got my heart rate back down to a near normal rate.
The murders are described in every gory detail...and they are not pretty.

And it really has to make you wonder...just how do these authors come up with these crazy theories??

#TheManFearedByDarkness by #PeteZacharias and read very skillfully by #ATChandler.

4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 💫 for me, rounded up to 5. Because when I wasn't having a heart attack with what the heck was going on with the story, I was totally in its grip!!

Thanks to #NetGalley and #BrilliancePublishing for an ARC of the audiobook which is *** due to be released in a few days*** on 8/27/24!

Of note: This is #3 in the series, and I don't believe I have read any of them prior to this.

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[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Wild Ride Worth the Whiplash!

From the moment I picked up Book 1 of The Rooker Lindström series on its publication day, I knew I was in for a treat. As a northern Minnesota native and a dedicated fan of serial killer suspense thrillers, Pete Zacharias's work was an obvious, thrilling choice for me. And with this latest installment, the third in the series, he has once again proven himself a master of the genre.

True to form, Zacharias delivered a narrative absolutely brimming with the kind of unexpected twists and turns that leave you feeling like you've got whiplash – in the best possible way! This book was a relentless, wild ride from start to finish, keeping me guessing and on the edge of my seat. I literally devoured it in less than two days, and I have zero regrets about losing those precious hours to its grip.

It's almost embarrassing to admit how long it took me to finally pick up this book. Part of me was still reeling – and admittedly, a bit salty – over Millie's death in Book 2 (yes, I'm still not over it!). But another, perhaps larger, part of me wasn't quite ready for this incredible series to wrap up. It felt like saying goodbye to a beloved, albeit intensely unsettling, friend.

Having now experienced all three books in The Rooker Lindström series, I can confidently say that each one has been a truly enjoyable, gripping journey. Pete Zacharias, you are a damn fine writer, and I sincerely hope you continue to put out books that are as masterfully crafted and thrilling as this series. I will most definitely be seeking out your future works.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Family matters

It was really shocking to find out how all the strange serial killers were connected to Rooker and to each other. Sorry if that is a spoiler.

I actually reread books 1 and 2 before reading this final book because it had been so long in-between that I couldn't remember all of the characters. They read really well one after the other. I was able to read them all within a week because I do work and I was taking care of my 90 year old momma who had gone into the hospital and then transferred into an assisted living facility.

The characters are believable and aggravating at times because of how real they are and my not being able to get them to be better at times or choose to be better at times. Some of their deaths were truly like a sucker punch to my gut they were so unexpected and shocking.

I do feel that the author have an enormous amount of drawn out details but they were incredible at bringing me into the story and truly impossible to skim over. I needed to know every detail.

I was not surprised by the actual ending but I did picture and kind of hope for a reunion between Rooker and his ex-wife instead of the actual ending. Well, like I said earlier, I hated that I couldn't control the characters and what they did. I was content with how it actually did and. That's all the details I am willing to give.

It's a good series and you will be satisfied when you see how the characters all tie together and how the series gets an ending that assures you that the killing is all finally and definitively finished. . . isn't it?

Great job!

[Lee · Rating 2 out of 5]

OK, I read all three books in the Rooker chronicles, and I still don't know why the serial killer in book 3 had a hate on for Rooker. After all, Rooker didn't kill his mother, Rooker's dad did. And of course, it all ended before any discussion could be had. We never find out how the Madman gets all his information, what his network is, how he knew things no one else knew. Just take it all on faith, I guess.

If Rooker didn't like his cat and dog, I would've stopped reading because this is the only thing likeable about him. I don't like Tess, either, or any of the FBI agents, or even Rookers girlfriend. Maybe his ex-wife, but her role isn't huge in this book.

And I think the author is confused about Nordic noir -- maybe he equates it with disgusting smells and bodily damage and rotting flesh. Stuff most people associate with horror, not noir. Nordic noir is more bleak landscapes or troubled people or complex morality or combinations of these things, more of a soul thing than a gore thing. Zacharias is much more gore than noir.

The ending is absurd. As if a rising news star is going to give up her career. As if the FBI would spring for witness protection -- why would they, they don't need any testimony from Rooker. I guess I'm pretty annoyed that I slogged through three of these books hoping for something like answers, or a wrap-up that makes sense, at the end of book 3, but got nothing. Be warned -- the premises were interesting, but Zacharias didn't manage to make anything pay off.

[Jacquelyn Dohoney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been reading this series from the beginning and it’s nice to see how far Rooker has come since then. He’s one of my favorite characters. I’m sure that has something to do with the fact that I am sober. Maybe it makes it easier for me to identify with such a damaged character. Nonetheless, his character is written incredibly well. And his relationship with Tess has a stem of reality to it as well. Murder cases aside, Zacharias does a great job of showing how difficult the relationship can be between a spiraling alcoholic and a “normie”. (Even though that normie is now heading on the same path). It turns out that I was right about Meachum from the start, which only left us readers with a laundry list of questions. But now that the majority of those questions have been answered, where does the story go now? There is a whole new set of questions. Will this be the end of the series? I have a feeling it won’t be. I think there will be a whole new set of stories with new characters and alliances formed where enemies used to be.

Huge thanks to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for sending me this ARC for review! All of my reviews are given honestly!

[Karin Sakacs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have absolutely loved this series! The Man Feared by Darkness is the third (and final??) installment in the Rooker Lindstrom series and it did not disappoint. Book two ended with a huge plot twist that left me with more questions than answers so as soon as I saw book three was available I snatched it up! I don't want to give away too much because so much happens in books one and two that are finally answered in book three. We get a really good look into some seriously deranged individuals and so much time is spent untangling the web that The Madman carefully weaved. I loved seeing Rooker's development as a character and seeing how he interacts with Tess Harlow after everything that has gone down. Overall, I loved the book and the series. I will absolutely be looking for more to come from Pete Zacharias.
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for sending me this ARC for review! All of my reviews are given honestly!

[Alejandra Martin ~ Lexi Likes to Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Man Feared by Darkness" is a winding and twisty triumph of a novel. While this is a 3rd book in the series, I hadn't read either of the first two books and I did notice areas where I was missing some big moments, but I didn't feel that it took away from the story at all. We enter the story after a series of murders and the conviction of a serial killer, only to realize that the person they caught may not have been the right one, or at least not working alone. The assembled team must unearth the pieces to the puzzle to discover what is really going on, and determine once and for all, who is the culprit. The multiple layers to the narrative kept me deeply vested in the story and in trying to figure it all out before the revelations. I enjoyed this book enough that I plan to backtrack to the first two books to complete the picture in my mind.

[lori pennington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing - Audiobooks for the free audiobook in exchange for my honest review. A. T. Chandler narrates this one and does a really good job!

This is book 3 in the series and IMO you really need to read the other 2 books to understand everything that is going on in this installment. Also, I think that there is some of the story lost on me due to the translation into English.

But, I do think this is a solid series and plan to go back to books 1 and 2. Its an interesting premise: the son of a serial killer works with the police to solve various murder cases. I like police procedural books and this is one of them.

Rooker heads back to California in this installment to solve a murder that appears to be committed by a man that Rooker helped convict. He goes to California to act as a consultant to the FBI.

Read books 1 & 2 first.

[Marion Sheppard · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book in the Rooker Lindstrom series, and it continues in the same vein as the previous novels. Rooker is an investigative reporter whose father was a notorious serial killer. Thinking that the past is over and done with, he is surprised to hear about a body discovered in California whose MO matches a man he put in prison. Did he make a grievous mistake and put the wrong person away or was there a copycat killer out there taunting him? The hunt for answers is intense, at times disturbing, but ultimately a good solid thriller and mystery. What drew me to this series is the fact that this was an offbeat set of situations and characters, with a story that grabbed me in and kept me interested all the way to the end. Given this is the last book in this series, I will truly miss following more cases where Rooker is involved.

[Tommie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A body is discovered matching the MO of Tate Meachum, the Madman killer. As Tate has been in prison for years, questions arise. Is this is the work of a copycat? Does Tate have an accomplice? Or did Rooker put the wrong man behind bars for the murder of his son? The FBI invites Rooker and Tess Harlow to join the investigation. Quite alot has happened since the second book. Tess has quit the police force and is working as a private investigator. Rooker has stopped drinking and is now dating the investigative journalist we met in book two. As in the first two books, this reads as a police procedural and there are times when I’m confused, but I still enjoy the story. Also, I was happy we got to finally meet the ex-wife. Don’t know how I feel about the fact there was no reconciliation to be had. I think she would be good for Rooker, but at the same time, she deserves better than him.

[Kymber Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Man Feared by Darkness by Pete Zacharias is part of the Rooker Lindstrom series, and the first book I have read by this author. If Mr. Zacharias's books were a drug, they would be a quick acting one, causing the reader to become addicted before they finished reading for the first time, as all you can do is sit there and devour the book from beginning to end, barely able to set the book down, even in the most dire of circumstances! The hypnotic power of Mr. Zacharias's writing scope is magic indeed, and to be able to experience the full force of his talent is a rare treat. Now, I have to go back and read the first two books in the Rooker Lindstrom series, but if they are anything like this third book, I will be in book heaven!

[LiterallyLoriB · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me start by saying, how I missed that this book was the third installment in a series is beyond me, but alas…here we are. The great news is that I walked into this with no history on the characters and loved the read. I did at one point stop and go read the synopsis on book 1&2 for some historical i formation. I loved this one so much that I feel like even though I know the ending I want to know more…I will be reading book 1 and 2. Hahahaha

Great pacing!
Love the psychological nature!
Rooker was the classic thriller/suspense MMC and I loved watching him finally start to put some big pieces together.
I will absolutely read the next book!!!

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read this book!

[Wendy Cameron · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't enjoy this book as much as the first two. So many names of previous characters were dropped, but didn't include enough context in my opinion to connect all the dots and it has been awhile since I read the first two books. I may go back and read them all again in order, but that will be after I hit other books on my list. It was a little difficult to follow the beginning of several chapters as you didn't know whose point of view you were reading from for a page or two. I do like how most of the heroes are imperfect as it humanizes them by showing their weaknesses and character flaws. I would like to read more by this author to determine better if I like his style of writing or not. This one just wasn't my favorite.

[CR · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Man Feared by Darkness" is a masterful and intricate novel that twists and turns at every corner. Although it's the third book in the series, I hadn’t read the first two, and while I noticed there were key moments I missed, it didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the story. The narrative picks up after a string of murders and the conviction of a supposed serial killer, only for the team to realize that they may have caught the wrong person—or that the killer wasn’t working alone. As they piece together the puzzle, the suspense builds, and I found myself fully engrossed, trying to solve the mystery before the final revelations. I enjoyed this book so much that I’m planning to go back and read the first two to complete the picture.

[Gatorman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another solid entry in the series with Rooker having to face the possibility that Meachum may not be the Madman after all. A series of similar killings raises the question of a copycat or that the real killer is still on the loose. The writing continues to be strong and the characters well developed which helps keep the story moving along at a strong pace to a satisfying ending which makes you wonder if this is the last in the series. If you haven't read any of the prior books, you should really start. It's a worthy series in the genre. Thanks to Netgalley for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Claudete Takahashi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not read the previous books in the series which left blank spaces to be filled in The Man Feared by Darkness however it did not impair my understanding of the story. It's like the cat running after the mice, Rooker has a dark past that he carries with him in every action he takes. He is now back in California working with the team who is searching for the Madman or his copycat. The lines get blurred everytime Rooker digs in the past to work on the present case leading to unforeseen moves at the end. I really enjoyed reading this story which has a dense and engaging plot, it's fast-paced and well-written.
I thank Mr. Zacharias, his publisher, and NetGalley for the copy of this book.

[R M · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars
Solid thriller. I think if you had not read the previous books in the series, you’d be lost for a large portion of the book.
Many characters. Many mentions of characters from previous books, too. A lot to keep track of.
But Rooker and Tess are still a team on this case. They are brought into the case because of similarities to the cases that put a serial killer in prison. The killer who took Rooker’s only son from him.
Rooker is himself the son of a serial killer.
The story here is complicated. So worthwhile to slog through it, though.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I enjoyed all 3 books, this one was definitely the best IMO! We meet up with Rooker again, and he gets to team up with Tess again - but this time we're on the west coast.
I almost don't want to say much more, I don't want to accidentally give any hints or spoilers. Things do get wrapped up pretty well, but Pete also leave the door cracked for another book to be coming - maybe?? Hopefully??

If you've read the first 2 books you probably don't need much convincing to add this one to your TBR, but if you are, it's worth it and it's a quick one.

[Lavonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Personally, I just loved this book and I usually don’t write positive 5 star reviews. It kept my interest because I was obsessed with the story and what was and what did happen. My one complaint was that occasionally confusing about characters, but quickly able to sort out characters that were mentioned infrequently or only by first or last name. Glad I had read the first two books…or I might have been lost, however lots of time between books can make you lose track.