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Jess Lambert #2
What Lies in Darkness
A missing family. A traumatized detective. The past and present collide in a riveting novel of suspense by the USA Today bestselling author of These Still Black Waters, Do No Harm, Behind Every Lie, and The Night Olivia Fell.
Late Christmas Eve, the Harper family’s car crashed on a desolate stretch outside Black Lake. Sixteen-year-old Alice was found injured by the side of the road—alone. It was as if her parents and younger sister, Ella, had simply disappeared.
One year later, Alice is still dealing with nightmares and unanswered questions when she and her friends find Ella’s bloodstained backpack in the basement of an abandoned home. As Detective Jess Lambert investigates, she uncovers dark secrets that put her on a collision course with her past. Jess’s only witness is haunted by her own ghosts—ghosts that might ultimately be connected to Jess.
Jess will do anything to find out what happened to the Harpers—no matter how deep she has to dig. Because neither the living nor the dead are giving up their secrets easily.
Late Christmas Eve, the Harper family’s car crashed on a desolate stretch outside Black Lake. Sixteen-year-old Alice was found injured by the side of the road—alone. It was as if her parents and younger sister, Ella, had simply disappeared.
One year later, Alice is still dealing with nightmares and unanswered questions when she and her friends find Ella’s bloodstained backpack in the basement of an abandoned home. As Detective Jess Lambert investigates, she uncovers dark secrets that put her on a collision course with her past. Jess’s only witness is haunted by her own ghosts—ghosts that might ultimately be connected to Jess.
Jess will do anything to find out what happened to the Harpers—no matter how deep she has to dig. Because neither the living nor the dead are giving up their secrets easily.
343 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 16, 2024
731 people are currently reading
21607 people want to read
About the author
Christina McDonald
11 books2,939 followersAbout this author
Christina McDonald is the award-winning, USA Today and Amazon charts bestselling author of What Lies In Darkness, The Stranger At Black Lake, These Still Black Waters, Do No Harm, Behind Every Lie and The Night Olivia Fell, which has been optioned for television by a major Hollywood studio. Originally from Seattle, Washington, she now lives in London, England, with her husband, two sons, and their dog, Tango.
Christina McDonald is the award-winning, USA Today and Amazon charts bestselling author of What Lies In Darkness, The Stranger At Black Lake, These Still Black Waters, Do No Harm, Behind Every Lie and The Night Olivia Fell, which has been optioned for television by a major Hollywood studio. Originally from Seattle, Washington, she now lives in London, England, with her husband, two sons, and their dog, Tango.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 345 reviews
March 7, 2024
So, this is the second book in the Jess Lambert series and I will say that I am already wanting more!! I’m not typically a big fan of series (it’s just too big of a commitment to get started on), but I love Jess Lambert’s detective character. I’m also starting to love author Christina McDonald more and more with each book that she writes. This book kept me glued to the pages from the first chapter, and made my head spin a little at the last chapter (I totally did not see that coming)!
In this story we have the main character of Alice Harper. Alice lost her parents and younger sister, Ella nearly a year ago late Christmas Eve during a terrible car crash. It was a snowy night, and the family vehicle slid on some ice, flipped over and all family members were presumed dead except Alice. Alice awoke from the crash bloodied, bruised up, and with a broken arm. However, her parents and sister were nowhere to be found. How could her other family members have just disappeared into thin air? They obviously must be dead, or they would have come for her. Right?
Now enter Jess Lambert, my favorite book detective (yes, I can totally relate to her bad leg). Jess is in search of the missing Harper’s. Jess becomes close to Alice, as she knows they can both see and feel things that others cannot. Can Jess protect Alice and help her find her family? Also, can Jess heal from her own personal trauma and problems while trying to solve this case and move forward with her life?
This book was easy to read as it was told in alternating chapters of Alice, Jess, and Laura’s (Harper), POV’s. This book can easily be read as a standalone, although I do recommend reading “These Still Black Waters” beforehand- just to get a clearer understanding of Jess Lambert’s life (Oh, and there’s also a prequel too 😁).
I highly recommend reading this book (and this series), as there were many twists and turns along the way and the ending gave me a surprise that I did not see coming!! I cannot wait for the next book!! Hurry up Jess Lambert #3!
Many thanks to NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer, and the author for an ARC of this book which I had the pleasure of reading. Publication date: July 16, 2024.
Genre~ General Fiction (Adult), Mystery & Thrillers
In this story we have the main character of Alice Harper. Alice lost her parents and younger sister, Ella nearly a year ago late Christmas Eve during a terrible car crash. It was a snowy night, and the family vehicle slid on some ice, flipped over and all family members were presumed dead except Alice. Alice awoke from the crash bloodied, bruised up, and with a broken arm. However, her parents and sister were nowhere to be found. How could her other family members have just disappeared into thin air? They obviously must be dead, or they would have come for her. Right?
Now enter Jess Lambert, my favorite book detective (yes, I can totally relate to her bad leg). Jess is in search of the missing Harper’s. Jess becomes close to Alice, as she knows they can both see and feel things that others cannot. Can Jess protect Alice and help her find her family? Also, can Jess heal from her own personal trauma and problems while trying to solve this case and move forward with her life?
This book was easy to read as it was told in alternating chapters of Alice, Jess, and Laura’s (Harper), POV’s. This book can easily be read as a standalone, although I do recommend reading “These Still Black Waters” beforehand- just to get a clearer understanding of Jess Lambert’s life (Oh, and there’s also a prequel too 😁).
I highly recommend reading this book (and this series), as there were many twists and turns along the way and the ending gave me a surprise that I did not see coming!! I cannot wait for the next book!! Hurry up Jess Lambert #3!
Many thanks to NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer, and the author for an ARC of this book which I had the pleasure of reading. Publication date: July 16, 2024.
Genre~ General Fiction (Adult), Mystery & Thrillers
February 18, 2024
This was my first Christina McDonald novel. The second installment in the Jess Lambert series.
Alice Harper survives a terrible car accident one night with the rest of her family. The thing is, the rest of her family, mother, father and young sister are missing from the scene when Alice comes to. Where did her family go? How could they just disappear into thin air?
A year later, and she she still trying to process what happened to her family. She’s a troubled teen, getting caught up in drugs and other mischievous friends. One thing I did not know about the story was that Alice sees dead people. People who are trying to give her a message.
Meet Jess Lambert, the detective on the case. Jess also sees the dead. She is struggling with her personal demons, Jess also lost her daughter in a terrible crash. She is conflicted with guilt and pain since she was the one driving.
I found in the beginning of the story, Alice’s character was constantly focusing on getting her hands on more Ativan. Taking more Ativan and how it made her feel. The constant mentioning of it on every other page slightly got on my nerves. Also, I’m not big on supernatural elements written into police procedurals. I know, it’s just a me thing.
Overall, I blew through this book. It definitely was suspenseful. We learn there more shady characters as the story unfolds and I was trying to guess who the culprit was. The reveal was not what I expected at all. One thing I’ll mention, I think I would have enjoyed this more had I read the first one.
I’d like to thank Thomas & Mercer, NetGalley, and Christina McDonald for the opportunity. All opinions are my own.
Expected publication date July 16, 2024
3.5 ⭐️ raised to 4
Alice Harper survives a terrible car accident one night with the rest of her family. The thing is, the rest of her family, mother, father and young sister are missing from the scene when Alice comes to. Where did her family go? How could they just disappear into thin air?
A year later, and she she still trying to process what happened to her family. She’s a troubled teen, getting caught up in drugs and other mischievous friends. One thing I did not know about the story was that Alice sees dead people. People who are trying to give her a message.
Meet Jess Lambert, the detective on the case. Jess also sees the dead. She is struggling with her personal demons, Jess also lost her daughter in a terrible crash. She is conflicted with guilt and pain since she was the one driving.
I found in the beginning of the story, Alice’s character was constantly focusing on getting her hands on more Ativan. Taking more Ativan and how it made her feel. The constant mentioning of it on every other page slightly got on my nerves. Also, I’m not big on supernatural elements written into police procedurals. I know, it’s just a me thing.
Overall, I blew through this book. It definitely was suspenseful. We learn there more shady characters as the story unfolds and I was trying to guess who the culprit was. The reveal was not what I expected at all. One thing I’ll mention, I think I would have enjoyed this more had I read the first one.
I’d like to thank Thomas & Mercer, NetGalley, and Christina McDonald for the opportunity. All opinions are my own.
Expected publication date July 16, 2024
3.5 ⭐️ raised to 4
July 29, 2024
Late Christmas Eve, the Harper family’s car crashed on a desolate stretch outside Black Lake. Sixteen-year-old Alice was found injured by the side of the road―alone. It was as if her parents and younger sister, Ella, had simply disappeared.
One year later, Alice is still dealing with nightmares and unanswered questions when she and her friends find Ella’s bloodstained backpack in the basement of an abandoned home. As Detective Jess Lambert investigates, she uncovers dark secrets that put her on a collision course with her past. Jess’s only witness is haunted by her own ghosts―ghosts that might ultimately be connected to Jess.
Jess will do anything to find out what happened to the Harpers―no matter how deep she has to dig. Because neither the living nor the dead are giving up their secrets easily.
OHHHEMMMGEEE! How does Christina McDonald manage to craft books that just get better and better? In the first book in the series, These Still Black Waters, she pulled the rug right out from under me in the best possible way. Now, with What Lies in Darkness, I couldn’t keep the s*** eating grin off of my face. From the magically interwoven plot to the well-developed characters who had me in the palm of their hands, there wasn’t a thing not to love. Even better, though, was McDonald still managed to shock me all the way to my core.
The plot itself alternated back and forth between dual timelines and multiple POVs. In fact, it was so intoxicating that I lost track of time. Despite clearly remembering the earth-shattering twist from book one in the series, this time around there was also even more of a heartbreaking element. Through thought-provoking quotable quotes and plot charging emotion, I felt this storyline deep in my bones. That’s not to say there wasn’t non-stop suspense and palpable tension. I promise that that was also there in spades.
Like most characters in a series, Jess has blossomed from the prequel to book one and now book two. The more I learn about her, the more realistic she becomes to the point where I almost feel like I know her by now. Yet again, though, she wasn’t the only character real enough to walk right off the page. From her stand-in partner to her witch of a boss, they each fit their roles to a T. All I can say is that I can’t wait to see where they all go from here. And I’m not the only one. All of us at Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse feel exactly the same way.
Done and dusted, this newest addition to the Jess Lambert saga hit all the sweet spots for me. With a twisty, atmospheric plot, an unstoppable yet flawed heroine, and a killer conclusion, this psychologically acute thriller was beyond a slam dunk. A masterclass in suspense, McDonald has done it yet again. Already an auto-buy author for me, her sharp writing meant I felt immersed in this story. Take it from me, you have got to get your hands on this series. And please, start at the beginning. You’re not going to want to miss a minute with Jess. Rating of 5+ stars.
Thank you to Christina McDonald and Thomas & Mercer for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: July 16, 2024
Trigger warning: threatening messages, embezzlement, alcoholism, mention of: infidelity
One year later, Alice is still dealing with nightmares and unanswered questions when she and her friends find Ella’s bloodstained backpack in the basement of an abandoned home. As Detective Jess Lambert investigates, she uncovers dark secrets that put her on a collision course with her past. Jess’s only witness is haunted by her own ghosts―ghosts that might ultimately be connected to Jess.
Jess will do anything to find out what happened to the Harpers―no matter how deep she has to dig. Because neither the living nor the dead are giving up their secrets easily.
OHHHEMMMGEEE! How does Christina McDonald manage to craft books that just get better and better? In the first book in the series, These Still Black Waters, she pulled the rug right out from under me in the best possible way. Now, with What Lies in Darkness, I couldn’t keep the s*** eating grin off of my face. From the magically interwoven plot to the well-developed characters who had me in the palm of their hands, there wasn’t a thing not to love. Even better, though, was McDonald still managed to shock me all the way to my core.
The plot itself alternated back and forth between dual timelines and multiple POVs. In fact, it was so intoxicating that I lost track of time. Despite clearly remembering the earth-shattering twist from book one in the series, this time around there was also even more of a heartbreaking element. Through thought-provoking quotable quotes and plot charging emotion, I felt this storyline deep in my bones. That’s not to say there wasn’t non-stop suspense and palpable tension. I promise that that was also there in spades.
Like most characters in a series, Jess has blossomed from the prequel to book one and now book two. The more I learn about her, the more realistic she becomes to the point where I almost feel like I know her by now. Yet again, though, she wasn’t the only character real enough to walk right off the page. From her stand-in partner to her witch of a boss, they each fit their roles to a T. All I can say is that I can’t wait to see where they all go from here. And I’m not the only one. All of us at Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse feel exactly the same way.
Done and dusted, this newest addition to the Jess Lambert saga hit all the sweet spots for me. With a twisty, atmospheric plot, an unstoppable yet flawed heroine, and a killer conclusion, this psychologically acute thriller was beyond a slam dunk. A masterclass in suspense, McDonald has done it yet again. Already an auto-buy author for me, her sharp writing meant I felt immersed in this story. Take it from me, you have got to get your hands on this series. And please, start at the beginning. You’re not going to want to miss a minute with Jess. Rating of 5+ stars.
Thank you to Christina McDonald and Thomas & Mercer for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: July 16, 2024
Trigger warning: threatening messages, embezzlement, alcoholism, mention of: infidelity
July 10, 2024
Hmmmm.
This book started off awesome and then the middle seemed all over the place then it had a good twist in the end and another one. The latter wasn't believable; gave it a side eye 😒😒.
Alice wakes up after a crash to find that her whole family has disappeared, just like that poof! Gone without a trace. A year later we find her living with her uncle's family and under the cloud of what happened the night of the crash. Then her little sister's bag is discovered in the basement with her blood on it. Enter detective Jess, reeling from her own loss and recovering from her addictions to help solve the case of the missing family.
This has a little bit of supernatural elements that I didn't mind, but some parts had me thinking; "really"
Solid 4 stars!!
Thanks Publisher Thomas and Mercer for this ARC, HUMBLED AND GRATEFUL!
WHAT LIES IN DARKNESS OUT JULY 16TH!
This book started off awesome and then the middle seemed all over the place then it had a good twist in the end and another one. The latter wasn't believable; gave it a side eye 😒😒.
Alice wakes up after a crash to find that her whole family has disappeared, just like that poof! Gone without a trace. A year later we find her living with her uncle's family and under the cloud of what happened the night of the crash. Then her little sister's bag is discovered in the basement with her blood on it. Enter detective Jess, reeling from her own loss and recovering from her addictions to help solve the case of the missing family.
This has a little bit of supernatural elements that I didn't mind, but some parts had me thinking; "really"
Solid 4 stars!!
Thanks Publisher Thomas and Mercer for this ARC, HUMBLED AND GRATEFUL!
WHAT LIES IN DARKNESS OUT JULY 16TH!
July 21, 2024
This book is all about Alice and Jess, two people drowning in their own grief. Somehow, they're the only ones who can bring each other back to life and solve the mystery surrounding Alice's family stange disappearance. It's a touching and powerful story, and I really liked it. I haven't read "The Stranger At Black Lake 0.5" yet, but I'm sure I'll catch up when I do!
April 3, 2024
Wow!! I absolutely LOVE this series!! 😍 I thought there was no way possible that @christinamac79 could top These Still Black Waters… but OMG 😳… I think she did!!! 👏👏 Guys… this series just keeps getting better and better!! 🔥🔥🔥 Thank you SO much to @thrillerbookloverspromotions @blondethrillerbooklover @christinamac79 for having me on this book tour for her latest… What Lies In Darkness!! Pub day is July 16th!! 🥳🥳🥳 Also thank you for this gorgeous gifted copy!! 5 fantastic stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
They call it… Killer’s Grove.. 😳… nothing good happens there… so it’s really no surprise that is where… an ENTIRE family goes missing…Christmas Eve… a car 🚘 with Laura, Pete, Ella and Alice… spirals out of control… Alice is the lone survivor… well.. we think.. 🤔… the rest of the family… is .. missing… 💥 POOF… GONE… Umm how weird is that??? Alice remembers… nothing..😬
SO atmospheric!!! This twisted, creepy, dark story had my mind… ALL over the place!! I couldn’t piece together what on earth was going on… OH and then a dead 💀 body is found… in a very unusual place. 😉😳👏👏
Okay guys… seriously this was incredible!! The ending was 🤯🤯🤯 As soon as I thought I had it all figured out… @christinamac79 hit me with yet another mind blowing twist. 😳
So this could totally be read as a standalone… however… why would you want to?! 🤷♀️ I seriously can’t wait to get back to Black Lake!! This book is not out until July and I am hoping for a new one already!! 😂🤷♀️
🖤🖤🖤 Is this on your list?
They call it… Killer’s Grove.. 😳… nothing good happens there… so it’s really no surprise that is where… an ENTIRE family goes missing…Christmas Eve… a car 🚘 with Laura, Pete, Ella and Alice… spirals out of control… Alice is the lone survivor… well.. we think.. 🤔… the rest of the family… is .. missing… 💥 POOF… GONE… Umm how weird is that??? Alice remembers… nothing..😬
SO atmospheric!!! This twisted, creepy, dark story had my mind… ALL over the place!! I couldn’t piece together what on earth was going on… OH and then a dead 💀 body is found… in a very unusual place. 😉😳👏👏
Okay guys… seriously this was incredible!! The ending was 🤯🤯🤯 As soon as I thought I had it all figured out… @christinamac79 hit me with yet another mind blowing twist. 😳
So this could totally be read as a standalone… however… why would you want to?! 🤷♀️ I seriously can’t wait to get back to Black Lake!! This book is not out until July and I am hoping for a new one already!! 😂🤷♀️
🖤🖤🖤 Is this on your list?
April 10, 2024
Christina McDonald's upcoming release in July What Lies in Darkness marks the second installment in her captivating new series Jess Lambert, perfect timing for those who have yet to dive into the first book These Still Black Waters. While "What Lies in Darkness" can be enjoyed as a standalone, I highly recommend immersing oneself in Jess Lambert's story from the beginning for a richer reading experience.
McDonald departs from her usual style by introducing a supernatural element, adding an intriguing layer to the storyline that further captivated me. Detective Jess Lambert is an incredibly compelling character due to her strength, vulnerability, determination, and unique abilities. Her haunting past tragedy added an emotional depth to the narrative. McDonald's strength lies in her in-depth understanding of her characters and their motivations breathing life into them and making them feel authentic and relatable.
As secrets unravel and tensions escalate, McDonald crafts a story filled with suspense and intensity that had me eagerly devouring each twist and turn. Some plot twists may test the bounds of believability, but there is an exciting payoff to the conclusion that took me by surprise.
Witches Words read
I received a copy from the publisher on NetGalley.
McDonald departs from her usual style by introducing a supernatural element, adding an intriguing layer to the storyline that further captivated me. Detective Jess Lambert is an incredibly compelling character due to her strength, vulnerability, determination, and unique abilities. Her haunting past tragedy added an emotional depth to the narrative. McDonald's strength lies in her in-depth understanding of her characters and their motivations breathing life into them and making them feel authentic and relatable.
As secrets unravel and tensions escalate, McDonald crafts a story filled with suspense and intensity that had me eagerly devouring each twist and turn. Some plot twists may test the bounds of believability, but there is an exciting payoff to the conclusion that took me by surprise.
Witches Words read
I received a copy from the publisher on NetGalley.
July 29, 2024
I was excited to get back to Detective Jess Lambert. She’s a bit unique in the protagonist world since she’s a hot mess and not really the best detective (in that she breaks every rule and doesn’t work with her partner). I’m glad she’s still seeing Isla despite being sober. Alice and her family were headed home last Christmas Eve when there was a car crash. Alice was found walking by the road, but the rest of her family was never found. While the case was never solved it did go cold, but when Alice and her friend Maya find Alice’s little sister’s backpack in an empty house the police then find a dead man in a suitcase. Detective Lambert wasn’t on the case the first time, she was still in the hospital learning how to live without her daughter and re-learning how to walk. This was had some interesting twists that I mostly saw coming. The very end pushed me past my belief a bit and brought me from a 5 to 4.5 stars. I ended up rounding up anyway because I love these characters and am hoping for book 3.
April 10, 2024
"What Lies in Darkness" is the second installment in the Jess Lambert series, but don't worry if you haven't read the first one. This book stands strong on its own, although if you want the full backstory, you might want to check out the first book "These Still Black Waters" beforehand. Just a little tip!
After a car accident, 16-year-old Alice Harper is left alone on the side of the road while her entire family seemingly disappears into thin air. Enter Detective Jess Lambert, who takes on the case one year later when new evidence surfaces. The mystery deepens as Jess dives headfirst into the investigation, determined to uncover the truth behind the Harper family's disappearance.
Let's talk about Jess Lambert for a moment. She's an incredibly resilient protagonist, facing her own personal struggles while tackling this perplexing case. Despite the challenges she's faced - including the loss of her daughter and a strained marriage - Jess remains determined to crack the case and seek justice for the Harpers. And on top of all that, she's navigating her own journey to sobriety, which adds another layer of depth to her character.
But hold onto your hats because this book has it all - multiple viewpoints, intricate timelines, and a plot so full of twists and turns it'll leave your head spinning. And the ending? Let's just say it packs a serious punch and will have you itching for more!
So, if you're looking for a heart-pounding thriller that'll keep you guessing 'til the very end, "What Lies in Darkness" is totally the book for you. Trust me, you won't be able to put it down!
After a car accident, 16-year-old Alice Harper is left alone on the side of the road while her entire family seemingly disappears into thin air. Enter Detective Jess Lambert, who takes on the case one year later when new evidence surfaces. The mystery deepens as Jess dives headfirst into the investigation, determined to uncover the truth behind the Harper family's disappearance.
Let's talk about Jess Lambert for a moment. She's an incredibly resilient protagonist, facing her own personal struggles while tackling this perplexing case. Despite the challenges she's faced - including the loss of her daughter and a strained marriage - Jess remains determined to crack the case and seek justice for the Harpers. And on top of all that, she's navigating her own journey to sobriety, which adds another layer of depth to her character.
But hold onto your hats because this book has it all - multiple viewpoints, intricate timelines, and a plot so full of twists and turns it'll leave your head spinning. And the ending? Let's just say it packs a serious punch and will have you itching for more!
So, if you're looking for a heart-pounding thriller that'll keep you guessing 'til the very end, "What Lies in Darkness" is totally the book for you. Trust me, you won't be able to put it down!
February 26, 2024
What lies in darkness is the second instalment in the detective Jessica lambert series, (although it can easily be followed as a stand-alone).
The story follows Alice, a teenage girl who is involved in a car accident with her family, only when she awakes, afraid and injured, her mum, dad and younger sister are not inside the car and no where to be found.
A year later Alice is still reeling in the trauma and abandonment and unable to get any closure from the “missing, presumed dead” cold case. That is until her sisters backpack, blood and an arm in a suitcase is discovered in their garage as she’s clearing it out.
I really enjoy the unusualness to the plot, the mystery surrounding her missing family is so peculiar. You would assume her family would be severely injured if not deceased following such a serious car incident, so how is it that their bodies are no where to be found? And If they left somewhere, or where taken, why was Alice left behind?
I had absolutely no idea what the answers would be or where this one was going. I really felt for Alice, and I enjoyed the back and forth POV between her and Jess Lambert as fate brought their paths together.
The pacing flows nicely, there is lots of mystery and suspense and I found it super easy to read. If you are looking for a quick read this is a perfect book for you!
Thank you to Christina McDonald, Thomas and Mercer and NetGalley for an ARC
The story follows Alice, a teenage girl who is involved in a car accident with her family, only when she awakes, afraid and injured, her mum, dad and younger sister are not inside the car and no where to be found.
A year later Alice is still reeling in the trauma and abandonment and unable to get any closure from the “missing, presumed dead” cold case. That is until her sisters backpack, blood and an arm in a suitcase is discovered in their garage as she’s clearing it out.
I really enjoy the unusualness to the plot, the mystery surrounding her missing family is so peculiar. You would assume her family would be severely injured if not deceased following such a serious car incident, so how is it that their bodies are no where to be found? And If they left somewhere, or where taken, why was Alice left behind?
I had absolutely no idea what the answers would be or where this one was going. I really felt for Alice, and I enjoyed the back and forth POV between her and Jess Lambert as fate brought their paths together.
The pacing flows nicely, there is lots of mystery and suspense and I found it super easy to read. If you are looking for a quick read this is a perfect book for you!
Thank you to Christina McDonald, Thomas and Mercer and NetGalley for an ARC
June 30, 2024
So I started this book last night. I’ve been feeling like I was on mystery/thriller overload, so was hesitant to read another- but I have committed to read ARC’s by the due date! All I can say is WOW!! I stayed up too late, then rushed home after volunteering to finish! I have never read anything by this author, but I will be rectifying that now!
The book opens with 16 year old Alice. She is still grieving the death of her entire family from 6 months prior. Her friend, Maya, takes her to a party in an abandoned vacation home. This leads to the discovery of Alice’s little sisters backpack that she had with her on the night of the accident. This is a significant piece of evidence because Alice’s family’s bodies have never been found.
This book jumps right in. As I was reading the beginning, I already felt anxiety. The description of Alice and her struggles with grieving and depression are written very well.
The story is told by multiple POV’s of the main characters. There is an ebb and flow between all these pieces that come together nicely to complete the whole story. The characters are relatable, and experiencing personal issues themselves. I especially loved the detective Jess. She, too, is dealing with grief, and has a connection with Alice. This develops very nicely throughout the book.
There is an element of paranormal. Not ghost or monsters, but Alice sees her father, and Jess sees and talks to her dead daughter. I rather like how the author did this.
And the twists! I did not see the very last twist coming! I had one twist figured out, but not the “why”. But that last one, whoa!!!!
I will be looking for the first in this series, as well as checking out others!!
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer Publishing for this ARC. This is my honest, voluntary review.
The book opens with 16 year old Alice. She is still grieving the death of her entire family from 6 months prior. Her friend, Maya, takes her to a party in an abandoned vacation home. This leads to the discovery of Alice’s little sisters backpack that she had with her on the night of the accident. This is a significant piece of evidence because Alice’s family’s bodies have never been found.
This book jumps right in. As I was reading the beginning, I already felt anxiety. The description of Alice and her struggles with grieving and depression are written very well.
The story is told by multiple POV’s of the main characters. There is an ebb and flow between all these pieces that come together nicely to complete the whole story. The characters are relatable, and experiencing personal issues themselves. I especially loved the detective Jess. She, too, is dealing with grief, and has a connection with Alice. This develops very nicely throughout the book.
There is an element of paranormal. Not ghost or monsters, but Alice sees her father, and Jess sees and talks to her dead daughter. I rather like how the author did this.
And the twists! I did not see the very last twist coming! I had one twist figured out, but not the “why”. But that last one, whoa!!!!
I will be looking for the first in this series, as well as checking out others!!
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer Publishing for this ARC. This is my honest, voluntary review.
June 15, 2024
This is a book worth losing sleep for! I stayed up late last night to finish What Lies in Darkness because ai just had to know what happened to Alice’s family and why! How did her parents and little sister just go missing after a car accident last Christmas? And why is her sisters backpack covered in blood and hidden in the basement if an abandoned house?? Right, see why I had to know.
This is the second book with Jess Lambert and I think I loved it more than the first, which was incredible too. I recommend reading them in order so you understand Jess and her abilities better. I loved the darkness and creepiness of this book, especially the scenes set in Killers Grove… quiet, spooky, snow falling and ghosts…. Say no more.
It is an emotional read, for both Alice and Jess are still trying to come to terms with their losses. It is Christmas time and it should be a happy occasion but the memories are hard to forget.
I can see why everyone at Thriiller Book Lovers The Pulse are loving this one. Get it on your TBR, published on July 16th by Thomas and Mercer.
This is the second book with Jess Lambert and I think I loved it more than the first, which was incredible too. I recommend reading them in order so you understand Jess and her abilities better. I loved the darkness and creepiness of this book, especially the scenes set in Killers Grove… quiet, spooky, snow falling and ghosts…. Say no more.
It is an emotional read, for both Alice and Jess are still trying to come to terms with their losses. It is Christmas time and it should be a happy occasion but the memories are hard to forget.
I can see why everyone at Thriiller Book Lovers The Pulse are loving this one. Get it on your TBR, published on July 16th by Thomas and Mercer.
July 13, 2025
11.47, Christmas Eve. It’s snowing and after a great night at Alice’s aunt and uncle’s home, her family decided to set off for home. The snow makes driving difficult and the worst thing happens in Killers Grove, their minivan skids, swerves and flips landing on its side – Alice’s side and everything goes black. When she eventually opens her eyes, she’s afraid they’ll all be dead but there’s nobody there. The car is empty, her family gone. It’s 12.01, the Witching Hour. … a year on, Alice is a mess, there are no leads or answers to the mystery of her missing family or why she has been only one left behind. The mystery deepens further with some discoveries and Detective Jess Lambert is part of the investigation.
This is the second of the Jess Lambert series and I think it’s even better than the first. Jess is recovering from an accident that kills her young daughter Isla and she has many demons including grief, guilt, and pain. I like her as a lead character and will be more than happy to read a third novel.
It’s very atmospheric, the setting is superb and it’s used to great effect. It’s gothic, ghostly and deeply intriguing. It’s full of mystery and suspense and very easy to read. There’s an ethereal sense to the storytelling, a strong feeling that bad things will happen and they certainly do in this neck of the woods and keep on happening. It certainly keeps me guessing.
I really like the novel overall, but, I find the ending a bit of a stretch and a tad convoluted. If not for that, it would’ve been five stars.
Kindle Unlimited.
This is the second of the Jess Lambert series and I think it’s even better than the first. Jess is recovering from an accident that kills her young daughter Isla and she has many demons including grief, guilt, and pain. I like her as a lead character and will be more than happy to read a third novel.
It’s very atmospheric, the setting is superb and it’s used to great effect. It’s gothic, ghostly and deeply intriguing. It’s full of mystery and suspense and very easy to read. There’s an ethereal sense to the storytelling, a strong feeling that bad things will happen and they certainly do in this neck of the woods and keep on happening. It certainly keeps me guessing.
I really like the novel overall, but, I find the ending a bit of a stretch and a tad convoluted. If not for that, it would’ve been five stars.
Kindle Unlimited.
February 9, 2024
What Lies in Darkness again confirms that Christina McDonald can write twisty, interesting, gripping thrillers. It is so good!
The second in the Detective Jess Lambert series, but which can be read as a stand-alone, it is an emotional, taut, captivating read with a fast-paced plot filled with secrets, lies, betrayal, and a clever, surprising twist near the end.
I love the easy to read but descriptive writing that makes you feel that you are part of the scenes unfolding on the page. Jess is a great complicated character and to see her deal with her own losses and demons is just as interesting as the missing family case she is assigned to investigate in What Lies in Darkness. The author does a great job intertwining Jess’ past with the case so that the reader gets both a carefully plotted mystery and an emotional connection to Jess. I’ve read all the books in this series to date and am loving it!!
Can’t wait for the next story with Jess!
Thanks to Thriller Book Lovers Promotion, Thomas and Mercer and Netgalley for this complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
The second in the Detective Jess Lambert series, but which can be read as a stand-alone, it is an emotional, taut, captivating read with a fast-paced plot filled with secrets, lies, betrayal, and a clever, surprising twist near the end.
I love the easy to read but descriptive writing that makes you feel that you are part of the scenes unfolding on the page. Jess is a great complicated character and to see her deal with her own losses and demons is just as interesting as the missing family case she is assigned to investigate in What Lies in Darkness. The author does a great job intertwining Jess’ past with the case so that the reader gets both a carefully plotted mystery and an emotional connection to Jess. I’ve read all the books in this series to date and am loving it!!
Can’t wait for the next story with Jess!
Thanks to Thriller Book Lovers Promotion, Thomas and Mercer and Netgalley for this complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
February 20, 2024
What lies in darkness is the second instalment in the detective Jessica lambert series, (although it can easily be followed as a stand-alone).
The story follows Alice, a teenage girl who is involved in a car accident with her family, only when she awakes, afraid and injured, her mum, dad and younger sister are not inside the car and no where to be found.
A year later Alice is still reeling in the trauma and abandonment and unable to get any closure from the “missing, presumed dead” cold case. That is until her sisters backpack, blood and an arm in a suitcase is discovered in their garage as she’s clearing it out.
I really enjoy the unusualness to the plot, the mystery surrounding her missing family is so peculiar. You would assume her family would be severely injured if not deceased following such a serious car incident, so how is it that their bodies are no where to be found? And If they left somewhere, or where taken, why was Alice left behind?
I had absolutely no idea what the answers would be or where this one was going. I really felt for Alice, and I enjoyed the back and forth POV between her and Jess Lambert as fate brought their paths together.
The pacing flows nicely, there is lots of mystery and suspense and I found it super easy to read. If you are looking for a quick read this is a perfect book for you!
Thank you to Christina McDonald, Thomas and Mercer and NetGalley for an ARC
The story follows Alice, a teenage girl who is involved in a car accident with her family, only when she awakes, afraid and injured, her mum, dad and younger sister are not inside the car and no where to be found.
A year later Alice is still reeling in the trauma and abandonment and unable to get any closure from the “missing, presumed dead” cold case. That is until her sisters backpack, blood and an arm in a suitcase is discovered in their garage as she’s clearing it out.
I really enjoy the unusualness to the plot, the mystery surrounding her missing family is so peculiar. You would assume her family would be severely injured if not deceased following such a serious car incident, so how is it that their bodies are no where to be found? And If they left somewhere, or where taken, why was Alice left behind?
I had absolutely no idea what the answers would be or where this one was going. I really felt for Alice, and I enjoyed the back and forth POV between her and Jess Lambert as fate brought their paths together.
The pacing flows nicely, there is lots of mystery and suspense and I found it super easy to read. If you are looking for a quick read this is a perfect book for you!
Thank you to Christina McDonald, Thomas and Mercer and NetGalley for an ARC
August 24, 2024
I enjoyed the first book in this series and really wanted to read the second right after! It was just as twisty and dark as the first! Heading home on Christmas Eve, the Harper family's car crashes. Only sixteen-year-old Allison survives, found hurt by the road. The rest of her family, though? Gone--disappeared from the site without a trace, including her little sister, Ella. A year later, Ella's backup turns up and Detective Jess Lambert investigates.
Jess' investigation unravels a lot of dark secrets about the town, the Harpers, and even Jess' own life. With the second entry in the Jess series, I found myself liking Jess more and more. In the first book, she's a severe alcoholic, hanging on by a thread. She's still dealing with ghosts here (literally), but she's starting to get things together, and we see more of her personality shine through. The result is an excellent mystery with a human side, as Jess relates to Allison through their shared history of loss and trauma. I just love McDonald's books--they are dark and heavy, yet so well-written with nuanced characters and plots that keep you guessing until the end. 4+ stars.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer in return for an unbiased review.
Jess' investigation unravels a lot of dark secrets about the town, the Harpers, and even Jess' own life. With the second entry in the Jess series, I found myself liking Jess more and more. In the first book, she's a severe alcoholic, hanging on by a thread. She's still dealing with ghosts here (literally), but she's starting to get things together, and we see more of her personality shine through. The result is an excellent mystery with a human side, as Jess relates to Allison through their shared history of loss and trauma. I just love McDonald's books--they are dark and heavy, yet so well-written with nuanced characters and plots that keep you guessing until the end. 4+ stars.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer in return for an unbiased review.
July 17, 2024
What Lies in Darkness is the second of the Jess Lambert series and after reading and loving These Still Black Waters last year, I was very excited for the next installment.
Jess Lambert is stellar protagonist - disabled after an accident the year prior that killed her daughter, her marriage is in shambles and she's clinging on for dear life trying to keep her career and life from spiraling out of control. What Lies in Darkness features a Jess on the mend. She's cleaning up her act and is a month sober, but still needing to prove to herself and to her job that she can handle it. Because of her grief and mistakes and recklessness, Lambert is sidelined as lead detective for Black Waters' latest case - one in which an entire family except one daughter has gone missing.
Working under a much more junior detective, Lambert has to re-learn what it means to be part of a team and not the lead dog.
Like her last case, Jess immediately gets overinvested and over emotional with the current case in hand. I loved the parallels between Jess and the survivor, Alice. Both grief stricken, both sensitive and able to see the dead.
If you're a lover of thrillers with a touch of horror, McDonald absolutely delivers with the Jess Lambert series. There were a few parts in this latest installment where I worried McDonald's images would haunt my dreams! She takes the creepiness to the next level and I was totally here for it.
This novel had other elements I love in a good thriller too - multiple narrators, dual timelines, and a complex plot. The ending gave me whiplash and I'm still trying to wrap my head around what I learned, what was truth for the series, and where Lambert may go from here! It's safe to say McDonald has me totally hooked!
What Lies in Darkness can absolutely be read as a standalone. One thing I really loved about this second book in the series is that McDonald didn't bore us with a recap of These Still Black Waters. Details from the first book were inserted when and where as needed, but the reader was inundated or rereading the first book.
A huge thanks to Thriller Book Lovers Promotions for putting this series on my radar and to Thomas & Mercer for the copy.
Jess Lambert is stellar protagonist - disabled after an accident the year prior that killed her daughter, her marriage is in shambles and she's clinging on for dear life trying to keep her career and life from spiraling out of control. What Lies in Darkness features a Jess on the mend. She's cleaning up her act and is a month sober, but still needing to prove to herself and to her job that she can handle it. Because of her grief and mistakes and recklessness, Lambert is sidelined as lead detective for Black Waters' latest case - one in which an entire family except one daughter has gone missing.
Working under a much more junior detective, Lambert has to re-learn what it means to be part of a team and not the lead dog.
Like her last case, Jess immediately gets overinvested and over emotional with the current case in hand. I loved the parallels between Jess and the survivor, Alice. Both grief stricken, both sensitive and able to see the dead.
If you're a lover of thrillers with a touch of horror, McDonald absolutely delivers with the Jess Lambert series. There were a few parts in this latest installment where I worried McDonald's images would haunt my dreams! She takes the creepiness to the next level and I was totally here for it.
This novel had other elements I love in a good thriller too - multiple narrators, dual timelines, and a complex plot. The ending gave me whiplash and I'm still trying to wrap my head around what I learned, what was truth for the series, and where Lambert may go from here! It's safe to say McDonald has me totally hooked!
What Lies in Darkness can absolutely be read as a standalone. One thing I really loved about this second book in the series is that McDonald didn't bore us with a recap of These Still Black Waters. Details from the first book were inserted when and where as needed, but the reader was inundated or rereading the first book.
A huge thanks to Thriller Book Lovers Promotions for putting this series on my radar and to Thomas & Mercer for the copy.
February 9, 2024
I've said before that I'm not a massive lover of stories that involve ghosts, etc, but I've made an exception for this series because it is done in such a brilliant way. I absolutely adore Jess, even with all her faults and her issues. I am loving her storyline, but I hope there is a happy future for her and Mac.
The second book in this series, third if you count the prequel, and this was the best one by far. I loved it from page one and I'm hoping with everything in me that this series continues. Highly recommend.
The second book in this series, third if you count the prequel, and this was the best one by far. I loved it from page one and I'm hoping with everything in me that this series continues. Highly recommend.
February 17, 2024
4.5 stars
After a car accident 16-year-old Alice Harper was found on the side of the road, but where were the rest of her family? It was as if they just vanished into thin air. One year later, Detective Jess Lambert takes over the case when new evidence surfaces. Jess will do everything she can to find out what happened to the Harper’s.
What Lies In Darkness is the second book in the Jess Lambert series, and there is also a novella between books one and two. Although this one can be read as a standalone, it is recommended to read These Still Black Waters first.
This book had everything I look for in a thriller - short chapters, multiple perspectives, and twists I didn’t see coming. The setting of Black Lake was atmospheric, eerie, and perfect for this story. I loved that McDonald throws in some horror elements as well, and she definitely painted a creepy picture at times.
Jess Lambert is a detective whose story I look forward to continuing to read. She’s tough yet emotional, and it was nice to see a detective use those emotions to solve a case no one else had been able to. Grief was a main theme in this book, and we see it in both Jess and Alice. McDonald did an amazing job showing how overwhelming loss of a loved one can be while intertwining those emotions with solving this mystery.
The ending of this book totally blew me away! I didn’t see so many of the twists coming, and that makes this a must read thriller in my opinion.
Thank you to the author and Thriller Book Lovers Promotions for a DRC in exchange for my honest review.
After a car accident 16-year-old Alice Harper was found on the side of the road, but where were the rest of her family? It was as if they just vanished into thin air. One year later, Detective Jess Lambert takes over the case when new evidence surfaces. Jess will do everything she can to find out what happened to the Harper’s.
What Lies In Darkness is the second book in the Jess Lambert series, and there is also a novella between books one and two. Although this one can be read as a standalone, it is recommended to read These Still Black Waters first.
This book had everything I look for in a thriller - short chapters, multiple perspectives, and twists I didn’t see coming. The setting of Black Lake was atmospheric, eerie, and perfect for this story. I loved that McDonald throws in some horror elements as well, and she definitely painted a creepy picture at times.
Jess Lambert is a detective whose story I look forward to continuing to read. She’s tough yet emotional, and it was nice to see a detective use those emotions to solve a case no one else had been able to. Grief was a main theme in this book, and we see it in both Jess and Alice. McDonald did an amazing job showing how overwhelming loss of a loved one can be while intertwining those emotions with solving this mystery.
The ending of this book totally blew me away! I didn’t see so many of the twists coming, and that makes this a must read thriller in my opinion.
Thank you to the author and Thriller Book Lovers Promotions for a DRC in exchange for my honest review.
February 5, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my e-ARC of What Lies in Darkness!
𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔
🕵🏻♀️ love a good mystery
👻 have ever seen a ghost
🚘 enjoy missing persons stories
🌲 live near a haunted forest
• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓
Late Christmas Eve, the Harper family’s car crashed on a desolate stretch outside Black Lake. Sixteen-year-old Alice was found injured by the side of the road―alone. It was as if her parents and younger sister, Ella, had simply disappeared.
One year later, Alice is still dealing with nightmares and unanswered questions when she and her friends find Ella’s bloodstained backpack in the basement of an abandoned home. As Detective Jess Lambert investigates, she uncovers dark secrets that put her on a collision course with her past. Jess’s only witness is haunted by her own ghosts―ghosts that might ultimately be connected to Jess.
Jess will do anything to find out what happened to the Harpers―no matter how deep she has to dig. Because neither the living nor the dead are giving up their secrets easily.
• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
This was such a good follow up to the first Jess Lambert mystery! I really enjoyed seeing Alice’s POV during this story, as she has been through a lot. Her family is missing and she doesn’t know if they are dead or alive. She was a bit of an unreliable narrator during the story because she admitted to lying about a lot of things. Overall, I was really shocked by the last chapter’s twist! If you want a good detective story with several different POVs, check out the Jess Lambert series!
𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔
🕵🏻♀️ love a good mystery
👻 have ever seen a ghost
🚘 enjoy missing persons stories
🌲 live near a haunted forest
• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓
Late Christmas Eve, the Harper family’s car crashed on a desolate stretch outside Black Lake. Sixteen-year-old Alice was found injured by the side of the road―alone. It was as if her parents and younger sister, Ella, had simply disappeared.
One year later, Alice is still dealing with nightmares and unanswered questions when she and her friends find Ella’s bloodstained backpack in the basement of an abandoned home. As Detective Jess Lambert investigates, she uncovers dark secrets that put her on a collision course with her past. Jess’s only witness is haunted by her own ghosts―ghosts that might ultimately be connected to Jess.
Jess will do anything to find out what happened to the Harpers―no matter how deep she has to dig. Because neither the living nor the dead are giving up their secrets easily.
• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
This was such a good follow up to the first Jess Lambert mystery! I really enjoyed seeing Alice’s POV during this story, as she has been through a lot. Her family is missing and she doesn’t know if they are dead or alive. She was a bit of an unreliable narrator during the story because she admitted to lying about a lot of things. Overall, I was really shocked by the last chapter’s twist! If you want a good detective story with several different POVs, check out the Jess Lambert series!
February 21, 2024
What Lies In Darkness is the second installment in the Jess Lambert series and let me tell you it was truly AMAZING. For the full experience I highly recommend you start with These Still Black Waters to fully grasp everyhing. I was hooked from the first page up until the last. The suspense, the build up, the twists, the plot everything was all on point to make the perfect thriller. It will keep you on the edge of your seat.
I truly love Jess, I love digging deeper into who she is, why she does the things she does. She is so complex and the more you read about her the more you love her. Following her from book to book and revisiting her is great.
This is a thriller that you will want to binge. With it's dark atmospheric setting, you won't be able to put it down. McDonald has a way with words, with unfolding the plot to give you just enough until the final bang, which truly left me shook. Her writing style is captivating and engaging. The way everything and everyone connected in such an unexpectable way was amazing. With that ending I am truly hopeful for a third book.
One of the best thrillers I've read recently and I highly recommend it ! I am obsessed.
✨️Thank you to @thrillerbookloverspromotions, @netgalley, Thomas & Mercer & @christinamac79 for my free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I truly love Jess, I love digging deeper into who she is, why she does the things she does. She is so complex and the more you read about her the more you love her. Following her from book to book and revisiting her is great.
This is a thriller that you will want to binge. With it's dark atmospheric setting, you won't be able to put it down. McDonald has a way with words, with unfolding the plot to give you just enough until the final bang, which truly left me shook. Her writing style is captivating and engaging. The way everything and everyone connected in such an unexpectable way was amazing. With that ending I am truly hopeful for a third book.
One of the best thrillers I've read recently and I highly recommend it ! I am obsessed.
✨️Thank you to @thrillerbookloverspromotions, @netgalley, Thomas & Mercer & @christinamac79 for my free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 16, 2024
What Lies in Darkness
By: Christina McDonald
5🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
A devastating crash outside Black Lake has a young girl as the only survivor. Her parents and younger sister Ella were never found.
The rumors were rampant that it was a murder-suicide but why would Alice have survived? Does she know more than she is telling?
A backpack of Ella’s is found abandon in a home that has been vacant for years.
Detective Jess Lambert is in the case and she is also fighting her own demons as she lost her daughter in an accident.
Both Jess and Alice see ghosts of their past. As the investigation continues they both find out how they are connected.
I love this series by McDonald. Her first one These Still Black Waters is not to be missed as well. I hope there is a 3rd because this detective is an interesting and complex character.
By: Christina McDonald
5🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
A devastating crash outside Black Lake has a young girl as the only survivor. Her parents and younger sister Ella were never found.
The rumors were rampant that it was a murder-suicide but why would Alice have survived? Does she know more than she is telling?
A backpack of Ella’s is found abandon in a home that has been vacant for years.
Detective Jess Lambert is in the case and she is also fighting her own demons as she lost her daughter in an accident.
Both Jess and Alice see ghosts of their past. As the investigation continues they both find out how they are connected.
I love this series by McDonald. Her first one These Still Black Waters is not to be missed as well. I hope there is a 3rd because this detective is an interesting and complex character.
August 4, 2025
Jess Lambert #2.
5 stars. Riveting and so well done. LOVE this series + recommend anything Christina McDonald writes. (auto-buy for me ❥)
5 stars. Riveting and so well done. LOVE this series + recommend anything Christina McDonald writes. (auto-buy for me ❥)
February 14, 2024
Just as good as the first book. Jess Lambert is back, investigating when a body has turned up in an abandoned house. She’s still battling with her own demons and seeing ghosts, but she’s determined to keep fighting for the ones that have no voice. As we read, we get multiple pov’s & every one of them is interesting. This story had me riveted. There was so much going on, but it weaved together so well. The last few chapters had my jaw dropping. Excellent sequel.
March 12, 2024
This was the second book in the Jess Lambert series but it was quite easy to pick up, even if you've not read the first one.
A missing family. A traumatized detective. The past and present colliding.
Late Christmas Eve, the Harper family’s car crashed on a desolate stretch outside Black Lake. Sixteen-year-old Alice was found injured by the side of the road—alone. It was as if her parents and younger sister, Ella, had simply disappeared. A year on and Alice is still dealing with the trauma and then they find her sister's backpack. Detective Lambert investigates and unravels new leads and secrets in the case, ones that may be connected to her own past. I have to admit, I did guess a part of the twist in this one but still absolutely loved this novel! I was riveted and honestly could not put it down. The tension was high throughout and it was just so cleverly written. Thanks so much to NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer for this gifted review copy.
A missing family. A traumatized detective. The past and present colliding.
Late Christmas Eve, the Harper family’s car crashed on a desolate stretch outside Black Lake. Sixteen-year-old Alice was found injured by the side of the road—alone. It was as if her parents and younger sister, Ella, had simply disappeared. A year on and Alice is still dealing with the trauma and then they find her sister's backpack. Detective Lambert investigates and unravels new leads and secrets in the case, ones that may be connected to her own past. I have to admit, I did guess a part of the twist in this one but still absolutely loved this novel! I was riveted and honestly could not put it down. The tension was high throughout and it was just so cleverly written. Thanks so much to NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer for this gifted review copy.
February 17, 2024
Thank you @thrillerbookloverspromotions @christinamac79 for the #gifted copy of this ebook!
Picture this. A long dark deserted road and a sixteen year old found stumbling along bloody and all alone. Alice cannot recall the details of the night her family disappeared along that stretch of road after being in the car accident. Poor Alice can’t come to grips with why she’s was left and what happened to her entire family. Rumors swirl, nightmares continue and it seems like they are more questions than answers. Detective Jess Lambert is on the case and things get heated after Alice finds her sister’s bloody backpack 🎒 in an abandoned house. 😱 Alice sees ghosts and they are trying to lead her to find the answers to what happened that fateful night!
This was such a fun and thrilling read! I found myself whizzing through the pages to read “just one more page!” This is my second by this author and I am quickly learning Christina can tell an eerie ghost story that will have you peeking underneath your bed before you get in! Love it! This one kept me guessing until the end and just when you thought it was over there was one more twist and then another! This book is a sure fire way to make your heart pound and maybe sweat a little! 😅 This one comes out this summer and you won’t want to miss it!
Picture this. A long dark deserted road and a sixteen year old found stumbling along bloody and all alone. Alice cannot recall the details of the night her family disappeared along that stretch of road after being in the car accident. Poor Alice can’t come to grips with why she’s was left and what happened to her entire family. Rumors swirl, nightmares continue and it seems like they are more questions than answers. Detective Jess Lambert is on the case and things get heated after Alice finds her sister’s bloody backpack 🎒 in an abandoned house. 😱 Alice sees ghosts and they are trying to lead her to find the answers to what happened that fateful night!
This was such a fun and thrilling read! I found myself whizzing through the pages to read “just one more page!” This is my second by this author and I am quickly learning Christina can tell an eerie ghost story that will have you peeking underneath your bed before you get in! Love it! This one kept me guessing until the end and just when you thought it was over there was one more twist and then another! This book is a sure fire way to make your heart pound and maybe sweat a little! 😅 This one comes out this summer and you won’t want to miss it!
February 4, 2024
Wow! I wondered what track this story would take after I enjoyed the first book in the series so much, and this book was everything I was hoping for in a sequel and more. Detective Jess Lambert is such a wonderful character, and I was thrilled to see her backstory and current case so well-explored in this story. The other main POV character, Alice, was such a fantastic counterpoint with her grief so poignant and paralleling Jess Lambert's along with that desperate need we all have as humans to know the truth. What I love most about Christina McDonald's books is the way she delves into real emotions we all share and understand.
February 19, 2024
What Lies in Darkness by Christina McDonald is #2 in the Jess Lambert series but can be easily read ad a standalone. A great thriller with twists and turns that had me chomping at the bit to devour every delicious morsel until the very last sentence.
July 21, 2024
I loved this book! And her prequel is just as good! The author is gifted in her writing skills! She has that unique ability to evoke emotions! While I felt there was one part that the villains wouldn’t do based on the opportunity to expose themselves, it was still a top notch story! And it had some nice twists as well! While the story reaches a satisfactory conclusion, there is still an opportunity to write more books with Jess Lambert.
February 5, 2024
The book is engaging, captivating, atmospheric, dark and unputdownable. It is emotionally gripping and touching. Twists and Turns were unpredictable and ending was jaw dropping.
Alice Harper’s family died and disappeared the night of the late Christmas eve in the Killer’s grave. The car crashed, blood was dripping and sixteen year old Alice found herself injured and alone. The tragic death of her family sent her in trauma and grief consumed her with hallucinations, nightmares, secrets, desolation and unanswered questions. She is trying to get a closure. But the truth is tangled and twisted. The truth and dark secrets will open the knot of the dreadful past. Detective Jess is investigating the case but will she be able to get to the bottom of it? Will Alice move forward or forever stay in trauma and shock of the loss of her loved ones?
Thanks to the Author, Publisher and Netgalley for allowing me read this book.
Alice Harper’s family died and disappeared the night of the late Christmas eve in the Killer’s grave. The car crashed, blood was dripping and sixteen year old Alice found herself injured and alone. The tragic death of her family sent her in trauma and grief consumed her with hallucinations, nightmares, secrets, desolation and unanswered questions. She is trying to get a closure. But the truth is tangled and twisted. The truth and dark secrets will open the knot of the dreadful past. Detective Jess is investigating the case but will she be able to get to the bottom of it? Will Alice move forward or forever stay in trauma and shock of the loss of her loved ones?
Thanks to the Author, Publisher and Netgalley for allowing me read this book.
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