Darc Murders Collection

Darc Murders

by Carolyn McCray

Darc Murders Collection includes four short stories and the three full-length novels; 9th Circle, 7th Sin, and 5th Pentagram. A $19.00 value for $5.99!!!

**Warning, this collection includes GRAPHIC crime scenes and taut thrills. Please do not buy this collection unless you have a strong stomach and don't scare easily!

Praise for the Darc Murders Collection...
"I really really like this series.....not my usual reading, as I normally read paranormal romance/HEA stories... work is a refreshing break for me of my usual reading material. Definitely not for the faint of heart---gory and violence is graphically described, possibly giving you not-so-nice dreams. This is a great deal for all the books included."
L.Ludwig
Amazon Reviewer

"This series of books really captivated me. I have always loved murder mysteries and would definitely recommend the Darc Collection to all... delivers 5 Stars in each of these books... has become one of my all time favorite authors, because no matter what book I read by her I am never disappointed!!!"
Guinevere
Amazon Reviewer


The collection includes...
Devious - the prequel short story to 9th Circle
Deceived*exclusive to the collection - another prequel short story to 9th Circle
9th Circle - the #1 Hard Boiled/Police Procedural, full-length novel that started it all
7th Sin*exclusive to the collection - the full-length sequel to 9th Circle
Carnal*exclusive to the collection - the bridge short story between 7th Sin and 5th Pentagram
5th Pentagram - the third book in the Darc Murders Collection
Sinister *exclusive to the collection- the "wrap-up" short story for the Darc Murders trilogy

More Praise for the Darc Murders Collections...
"WOW, just WOW! I don't think I've ever come across such a gruesome series of crime scenes! Further knowing each of the scenes were booby trapped, had me cringing and then to read the full spectre of the carnage, left me in equal parts awe and queasiness of the macabre
imaginings of the writers! They pulled out the big guns! There was gore galore! Luckily, I like that in a thriller, it makes the suspense that much higher and the take down of the bad guy that much more satisfying.
What I didn't expect was to be so enchanted by the characters. I loved the eclectic mix, from the brilliant but emotionally challenged Detective with Aspergers to his laid back empathetic partner plus the razor sharp mind of the child psychologist consultant and the adorable and brave sole survivor, little Janey. All these nuances and traits give a rich tapestry to the book and endear you to the clever writing of... Ben."
Kizzle79

Amazon Reviewer
"I definitely recommend the Darc Murders Collection. The character development is phenomenal, story development is superb-- I thoroughly enjoyed reading both 9th Circle and 7th Sin; the story telling entwined with the characteristics of Darc's aspergers is incredibly entertaining. Not for the faint of heart, lots of gore and suspense, great mysteryseries."
Tetch
Amazon Reviewer

If you are a fan of characters such as Alex Cross and Hannibal or movies like 7 and Saw, The Darc Murders Collection is sure to shock and satisfy.

**If you were looking for Hopkin's latest crime thriller collection, search under The Nursery Rhyme Murders Collection.

**If you were looking for The #1 Police Procedural/Hard Boiled mystery series that includes the blockbuster, Plain Jane search under The Harbinger Collection

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Ebooks, Fiction, Amazon, Mystery Thriller, Procedural

1353 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 6, 2013

About the author

This is a pen name of Goodreads author Cristyn West.

Reviews

[Michelle Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the different perspective on the mysteries. Darc, Trey, Mala, and Janey were just so great together. The mysteries themselves though, all ran together a bit, and the books were a bit too violent for my tastes, but it was an enjoyable read and I look forward to the next installment later this year.

[Quiksan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series was right up my alley. I could read about Darc all day every day and never get bored! The short stories after that series to introduce other books to read was very interesting and I will be checking those out, too!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darc is a fantastic character but so is Trey. I would have loved to be able to meet them if they were not characters.

I had to break up the series and read something else between some but I they were great reads.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extremely interesting characters

It was a more violent and bloody content but I read every section of Darc and the introductions for the other series. The characters are the stars, particularly Darc and Janie. The Darc Murders is my favorite.

[Angie Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes read the whole set

I love this set of books you just want to keep reading and not put it down love this set of books

[pat finney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

I couldn't put it down. Every story was worth reading. If you like the show Will Trent you will fall in love with Darc.

[Donadee's Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even after reading the book description I really did not know what to expect, I only knew that I really, really love reading books written by Carolyn and Ben. They have become my favorites and I look forward to reading EVERYTHING they have published. Keeping this in mind I started at the beginning of the collection and finished up with this book, the 3rd Body which is the first book of the second cycle. WOW and double WOW!!!

At this point it might be good to state this series definitely is over the top in gross murders, if you have a weak stomach DO NOT read this but on the other hand if you are ready for the BEST murder mystery EVER then this is the collection for you. In my opinion this cast of characters is also the best. Darc is the most amazing lead character ever, his Aspergers is a handicap only to others not to him as he learns to expand it to benefit his goals. With his partner, Trey, the two of them take it over and beyond. Add in two of the most amazing women and a very, very special little girl and you have a GREAT read!

Reading from the beginning, Devious through to the 3rd body, I watched Darc grow and develop into this remarkable man. As you experience this growth and add his interaction to Trey, Maggie, Mala and Janey, my love grows with him. You also are watching Janey recover, grow and develop her special gift. Mala has come to some unusual discoveries herself, adding another aspect to this story line. Trey brings this humor to the story that is so needed. His unique sense and connection to Darc brings a special balance to it all.

What did I like? Well, in a story line as involved with the gross murders as it was, I think the love that Darc finds growing in himself is the part I liked the most. We fall in love with all of them but Darc is so special that he steals the show. As they become involved in each case, we see the details through Darc' s eyes. How he functions and copes with the case and his own self. As each case gets perceptible worse, even more gross and more personal Darc takes himself to another level. Before reading this I was aware of Aspergers but really did not understand it, now I have a very healthy respect for the needs of a person that has it. Plus I felt all of my emotions, ickiness, laughter, joy, tears, anger, sadness and love. Watching the team take down the most devious serial killers was VERY satisfying indeed!

What did I dislike? Now that is interesting because as over the top grossness that the story line has, I really did not dislike anything other than the obvious, the killers. In fact, the grossness, is what made the book so good.

What are you going to like? A Very detailed, well written, very developed, excellent cast of characters, and awesome murder mystery story that will take you by storm. That's what's so great about being a beta reader, getting the best stories before anyone else for a unbiased review. Don't miss out on the best, read the Darc Murders Collection and follow along with Darc and his team.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book collection is a great deal and a great read. I've read previous series by the authors and this one had been sitting in my TBR list for a long time. They warn you about the gruesome murders and not to read this if you have problems with such, and yes, there are a lot of grisly scenes scattered throughout this collection. If you are a fan of CSI or especially Criminal Minds type of TV, this is the set for you. There is plenty of psychological thriller involved in these murder mysteries, all very original plots.

What I ended up liking best out of these books is the characters and how different they were from other books in this genre. When you've read as many of these types of books that I have, things start to seem all the same. Making the main character, Detective Darc, an Asperger's inflicted adult, allows the books stand out from others. It's fun to hear the interaction between Darc and his partner, Trey, as the two of them level each other out. Trey plays the babysitter to Darc originally but soon he is shining in his own way as a charismatic detective. The way the duo communicates and thinks about each other is fun and quirky, and it seems to get their job done in all of their cases.

Along the way through the set of books, this pair meets up with some horrible sickos on murdering sprees. I was always surprised by the ending. The authors do a wonderful job of throwing you off the scent of the murderer just enough to question yourself on who actually did the deed. Reading all of these books back to back like this in one set really let me get the feel for the characters. I was happy to see there is another set of Darc Murders after this one.

The one thing that bothered me off and on throughout the series was that some of the things done seemed impossible or improbable. I found myself shaking my head, saying, "No way" a lot of the time. I just had to stop myself from thinking too hard on it and told myself it is FICTION, so let it go. Otherwise, the books are a fantastic mind vacation. I am looking forward to the next set.

I've read the Nursery Rhymes Collection and the Harbinger 1st series of books by these authors also. I love the way they bring the characters to life by giving them such original personalities. If you liked these books, then you will like those series also.

[Christie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great collection of books. I've been fortunate to have been a beta reader for Ms. McCray and Mr. Hopkin. So, I have been able to read these prior to being published in exchange for an honest review. I will be very frank with you about this collection...IT'S FANTASTIC!

Normally I am pretty good at guessing who is the guilty party in a murder mystery. However, in these books, I have was not able to figure out who it was until right about the time they person was exposed. I have even went so far as to write to the authors and question why I wasn't able to figure it out...all comes down to just good writing! That right there should be a good enough reason for you to read this series.

Another reason is, the characters are amazing. You have Darc, the autistic, semi-social detective. Trey his breakfast meat loving parnter. Mala, the Psychologist/Profiler and all around good woman. Maggie, the ex-wife of Darc who from time to time is very instrumental to the entire story. Then the final key element...Janey. The little girl that steals everybodies heart. I just love this little girl. Now her damn bear Popeye. I want to snatch from her and burn. But, Janey is the little girl that you want to sweep into your arms and protect from all the dangers in this big bad world.

This series is a nail bitter. It's takes you through what I like to call freakville. Don't be eating anything while reading these books if you have a weak stomach...I'm just giving you some heads up! (Barrells of blood with people in them!)

I honestly don't want to see this series end. These characters are so great. They have so much to give that this could just take a life of it's own and be a 10+ book series, in my opinion!!! It's that good!

[Chinarose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carolyn McCray is The Master of the insane, maniacal and macabre. All the stories I've read by her are hard to put down, twisted and mortifying. Prepare to be shocked, awed and disgusted! It's deliciously morbid!

The protagonists in this series make a dynamic duo - the odd couple; Darcmel 'Darc'; a savant detective with Asperger's (high functioning autistic) and lack of social skills; and Trey; his comic relief sidekick/partner, whose main job is to keep Darc out of trouble. In between macabre scenes and psychotic-murderous madmen, with dark, dysfunctional-mad desires are the witty banters and comical outbursts, that makes this read even more exciting and enjoyable.

"The 9th Circle" #1 of the "Darc Murders" series. Darc and Trey chase a crazed serial/spree killer, who is inspired and recreates in real life, the artworks by Dante/Aristotle's depicting the "9 Circles of Hell". Bodies are dropping rapidly and the killer continues taking more innocents, to recreate a macabre tableau of Hell on earth.

After Darc rescues a child; Janey, who was put in a vat of her murdered parents blood and left to drown, they form a bond - not a norm for Darc. But first, Darc needs Janey's help to find the madman whom killed her parents and plans on killing many more.

If you've ever seen any of the Dante's work, magnify the atrocities of his works by a million and imagine it in real life, er... Yes, it's that frightening!!!

I absolutely loved this read, this series!
Buckle up, hang on to your binky and Don't turn out the lights!

[Gayle Byrne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Do not read these books if you're a fan of intelligent, well-thought out detective thrillers. These are not them. This reads like it was written by a pre-teen girl. The characters are one-dimensional, repetitive and totally unbelievable. The dialogue is immature and often pointless. The plot lines are also unbelievable. The main detective is supposedly a savant with Aspergers Syndrome, and solves everything through the use of colored lines in his head that arrange themselves to lead him to the answer. He has all the emotionality of Spock from Star Trek, and he's the most interesting character in the books. Don't get me started on the use of a kindergarten girl as part of this crime solving team. I could go on, but just can't bother. The only reason it has 2 stars is for the Aspergers angle.

[Rick Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had I not had eye surgery I would have finished this series MUCH soon. That being said,
What an interesting main character this Robi Darcmel is. An Asperger savant detective..Let that just sink in ...Very very good writing from the authors. They nailed this. Partnered with Trey who started out as a glorified babysitter for Darc, he soon turns into a very good detectine in his own right. The main "hub" of characters inter-act seamlessly. Well thought out plots and very gruesome details. If the reader is of a weak stomach, they might want to think twice about this series.
One of the best, most entertaining reads I have had the pleasure to come across.
Anyone that is a fan of TV'S Criminal Minds or CSI will love,love,love this set.

[Midge Cline · Rating 4 out of 5]

A+ character development

Mr. Hopkins created likable, relatable and flawed characters. Walking through the adventures with characters who possess "disabilities" turned into advantages was an opportunity to see things with a new perspective. Which I truly enjoyed. The mysteries were solvable by the attentive reader, but maintained the twisting intrigue which ties the reader in the binds of adventure created by the author. I would not recommend this series to the faint or squeamish, as the detailed crime scenes could create a pathway of night terrors for some. An excellent read for the stout and sturdy.

[Mustang · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, I found this late one night and thought it had a great sounding storyline. I was right. I loved every book in this collection. Detective Darc is a great character, with an interesting way to solve crimes. The whole series follows serial killers who find each other and plan different aspects of crimes. DArc has a partner on the Seattle police department named Trey who is street smart and adds the humor needed at the right time. The plot is fantastic and once I started I reD the whole collection over. Weekend. Wow.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark collection - a dark ride

well I took on this whole collection at one time. quite a ride through the darker and macabre. I certainly hope Seattle isn't really plagued with this many serial killers! good characters but not sure there could really be a savant detective with Aspergers. extremely graphic detail for all of the blood and guts - and man is there plenty of that. good ride overall. recommended for mystery readers that don't mind copious amounts of blood and gore.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this series of books to be entertaining. For the gruesomeness of the murders, I didn't find the stories to be that deep. I did like the characters, and enjoyed their interactions. Trey was a great comic relief. I found the stories well written, and liked how one story tied into the next one. Uncovering the ultimate killer was well done, and not easily solved. I would read more books with these characters.

[Suzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best horror/suspense I've read

This set of mysteries was not only the perfect amount of intrigue and gore, but had characters you can't help but want to get to know better. From an autistic detective to a screw up of a partner and a silent little girl to a child pyschologist all four bring you into the story and loving every minute you're there even when you might need to throw up when you see what they see.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful to have all the Darc thrillers together!I read them all in just a few days. great reading! I can't wait for the next Darc thriller to come out.I enjoy Carolyn McCray's work so well I am going on to read more of her work. As long as she will write it this reader will continue to enjoy the fruits of her labors.

[Anna Salamatin · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, Carolyn McCray delivers the goods with this collection of murder mysteries. Darc is a very intriguing character with specific gifts.
I was just so engrossed in all the investigations, they keep on a path that only Darc can see, all we can do is follow and be prepared for all the blood and thunder to come.

[Robert Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darc murders police mysteries

Really enjoyed this series. Characters are interesting and at times comical in their expressions and thoughts which made it for a more pleasurable read. Tying this into murders and deductive reasoning was imaginative and kept me reading. Look forward to other series.

[Kari]

This was a cheap download I was notified of through BookBub. It is a series of full length novels and short stories about a detective who has Asperger Syndrome. Was an interesting twist. A few of the murder scenes were a bit graphic but enjoyed reading the first 4-5 in this series.

[Valerie]

i am enthralled with this detective pairing!!!

[Mustang · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had no idea that Mr Hopkin and Carolyn McCray were the same. I should of know as the series was awesome...

[Ken Weinert]

True

[Jaime Hendrickson · Rating 2 out of 5]

it was ok. I just couldn't Finish it.

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great reads! I loved each one. Would recommend everyone read them.

[Chris]

These were great

Aaron From the time I picked up the first book I could not out it down until I finished then all. Great stuff.

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The whole series was amazing. Loved it all and cannot wait to see how it finishes unfolding one of these days.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

just finished the collection and I want more. love janey and her bear.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Holmes-ish but much darker. Absolutely loved all the books! A little bummed about the ending of the series though. Wish he'd gone after the Master.