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The Dark Hours
Her worst nightmare just returned—but this time she’s ready
1994: When Gardas Julia Harte and Adrian Clancy are called out to a sleepy housing estate in Cork to investigate a noise complaint, they are entirely unprepared for what they find. What happens next will haunt Julia for the rest of her career, leaving her plagued with nightmares and terrified of the dark. There is a serial killer at work in Cork, one as clever as he is deadly. Julia may not be a detective yet, but after the harrowing events of that night, she is determined to be the one to catch him…
2024: Julia Harte has chosen just the right place to disappear. Now retired, with an illustrious career behind her, she has moved to a tiny cottage in a remote part of Ireland, where she hopes to find peace. But then she receives a phone call from her old superintendent—two women have been murdered, their bodies marked and staged, just like in ’94.
It’s happening again. Only this time, the stakes are even higher. Julia must return to Cork to face a vicious killer and the memories that haunt her. Yet Julia is no longer a naive junior officer but a seasoned, tough professional who proves more than a match for any murderer…
1994: When Gardas Julia Harte and Adrian Clancy are called out to a sleepy housing estate in Cork to investigate a noise complaint, they are entirely unprepared for what they find. What happens next will haunt Julia for the rest of her career, leaving her plagued with nightmares and terrified of the dark. There is a serial killer at work in Cork, one as clever as he is deadly. Julia may not be a detective yet, but after the harrowing events of that night, she is determined to be the one to catch him…
2024: Julia Harte has chosen just the right place to disappear. Now retired, with an illustrious career behind her, she has moved to a tiny cottage in a remote part of Ireland, where she hopes to find peace. But then she receives a phone call from her old superintendent—two women have been murdered, their bodies marked and staged, just like in ’94.
It’s happening again. Only this time, the stakes are even higher. Julia must return to Cork to face a vicious killer and the memories that haunt her. Yet Julia is no longer a naive junior officer but a seasoned, tough professional who proves more than a match for any murderer…
384 pages, Hardcover
First published January 28, 2025
285 people are currently reading
19767 people want to read
About the author
Amy Jordan
8 books105 followersAmy Jordan lives by the sea with her husband and young children in Cork, Ireland. A former tutor at Munster Technological University, she worked in the Irish civil service for a number of years before pursuing her passion for writing crime fiction. Amy is a fan of thrillers and crime novels, and her love of suspense and plot twists flows into her writing.
see also Amy Cronin
source: Amazon
see also Amy Cronin
source: Amazon
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 534 reviews
January 4, 2025
My thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing, Amy Jordan and Netgalley.
Man oh man was this book dark! I loved it!
It seems like this might be a new series. "I'm not sure" but boy howdy am I hoping!
I loved the story and characters. Recommended.
Man oh man was this book dark! I loved it!
It seems like this might be a new series. "I'm not sure" but boy howdy am I hoping!
I loved the story and characters. Recommended.
August 11, 2025
“The Dark Hours”, by Amy Jordan
4 brilliant stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (a solid debut!)
Solid writing and storytelling!
I quite enjoyed this work.
The storyline is developed by two timelines, one being the present and the other 30 years before.
The building of the main character was very well done. We are shown how she became successful and how she’s been dealing with her ghosts or PTSD.
The author created a character that lacked some self confidence, mostly caused by interacting with the male force.
Although slow, it was far from being boring.
Unfortunately I predicted the conclusion way too early, but I was hoping to be wrong about it.
I read the book while simultaneously listening to the excellent audiobook narrated by Flora Montgomery.
4 brilliant stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (a solid debut!)
Solid writing and storytelling!
I quite enjoyed this work.
The storyline is developed by two timelines, one being the present and the other 30 years before.
The building of the main character was very well done. We are shown how she became successful and how she’s been dealing with her ghosts or PTSD.
The author created a character that lacked some self confidence, mostly caused by interacting with the male force.
Although slow, it was far from being boring.
Unfortunately I predicted the conclusion way too early, but I was hoping to be wrong about it.
I read the book while simultaneously listening to the excellent audiobook narrated by Flora Montgomery.
March 21, 2025
The setting, synopsis, and reviews hooked me, but I found this boring for a police/serial killer storyline. I recognize this is a debut novel, but in my opinion the writing was not interesting. Overly graphic- even for the subject matter- and I didn’t find the characters likable in the least. There were no thrilling twists, and I figured out the killer almost immediately. I realize other readers will enjoy it, but The Dark Hours wasn’t for me. 2/5
November 17, 2024
As debut novels go, The Dark Hours is a pretty compelling, gripping read. From the opening chapters the reader is sucked in, and once started, the compulsion to continue reading is strong.
The main protagonist is retired garda inspector Julia Harte. If that makes you think of retirement homes and amateur sleuths, then allow me to disabuse you of that notion. This is not a cosy mystery.
In 1994, Julia was part of a team on the hunt for a serial killer. In 2024 she is assisting Cork gardaí hunt down a killer whose crimes mirror those from 1994.
The Dark Hours is well paced, with an intricately woven plot. Unfortunately, the characters aren't very likeable, although 2024 Julia is far more agreeable than 1994 Julia. My favourite character was Mutt, who is, erm, a dog. 🐕
I enjoyed this book, and look forward to reading more by Amy Jordan.
Thanks to HQ Stories and Netgalley for the digital ARC.
The main protagonist is retired garda inspector Julia Harte. If that makes you think of retirement homes and amateur sleuths, then allow me to disabuse you of that notion. This is not a cosy mystery.
In 1994, Julia was part of a team on the hunt for a serial killer. In 2024 she is assisting Cork gardaí hunt down a killer whose crimes mirror those from 1994.
The Dark Hours is well paced, with an intricately woven plot. Unfortunately, the characters aren't very likeable, although 2024 Julia is far more agreeable than 1994 Julia. My favourite character was Mutt, who is, erm, a dog. 🐕
I enjoyed this book, and look forward to reading more by Amy Jordan.
Thanks to HQ Stories and Netgalley for the digital ARC.
February 9, 2025
✰ 3 stars ✰
The writing was engaging; written out like a crime drama that easily alternated between both time frames, one that wholly drew you into the scenes and kept your attention, building up the suspense and intrigue in a compelling way. I was never bored, in how it's literally a race against time, but also gives enough insight to Julia's character. I was invested to see what connection sixty-year-old retired Garda Detective Julia Harte shared with the recent copycat killings, that bore similarities to a case she was heavily involved in nearly thirty years ago. 🥺 With 'the most ineffective guard dog she has ever met, and now, her only companion,' Mutt, by her side, she's forced out of her reclusive self-imposed penance of loneliness, to lend a hand in tracking down the murderous killer before they struck again became her driving force, despite the remnants of the ghosts of her past that still haunt in The Dark Hours that remind her of her failures and the unwitting pain she may have caused. 😥
“She follows him back to the others, feeling as though Cuan Beag doesn’t exist, her solitude was just a dream and nothing at all has changed.”
The author approached the relationships in both timelines with a steady hand and captured how Julia's personality was still focused on proving her merit in a male-dominated society, one that was always determined to prove herself in any form of investigation. 😟 And that was also her vice; for as much as she was bold and daring, and smart, her actions also came at a price, costing the lives of others and sacrificing her own happiness. The echoes of her own uselessness and worthlessness forced her to act even louder and stronger to figure out who may be behind it - in both timelines - to prevent any more senseless murders. We also got to see her human side, the one that showed how serious she was in her convictions and duties, even when she was visibly frustrated at the lack of acknowledgement she received from her peers. 'Call me Julia, for God’s sake!” How many times!' She was compassionate of the victims, she deeply regretted her role in her partner's death, and suffered greatly when even her good intentions were misconstrued. 😔
“All clues lead to something, and some present a fork in the road of the investigation— Julia learned that the trick is following all the roads, not choosing which one to take.”
Dear Authors, what would it take for you to make it a little harder for the readers to figure out who the guilty suspect is? If the idea was that it was not meant to be so difficult to figure out, that it was deliberate, simply because the focus was to make it a character-driven mystery, instead, I'll bite. 🤷🏻♀️ But, the fact that it was so blatantly obvious right from the start who the killer was, was just annoying. With no other cast of suspects, it doesn't really hold any suspense or intrigue to figure out who it was! I kept hoping beyond hope that the past murderer would prove otherwise, but my suspicions were confirmed when the build-up was handled in a bit of a rushed process that really was upsetting. 🙎🏻♀️😮💨
“But Julia knows anything is possible in the dark hours.”
Granted, it is the reasoning behind it that is what should be taken into consideration, then yes, it does succeed on that; as in we don't know the connection that ties it all together, so that part did work well. 🤔 Though, it was also disappointing to discover that most of the twists and reveals were not entirely relevant throughout the story-line - as in, they came out of the blue and were divulged later, so they didn't really feel like I was leading up to said conclusion. So, as much as it was gripping and I enjoyed the multi-faceted relationships portrayed - Riordan and Julia's especially, the randomness and predictability of the suspense factor was too much of a let down. I wanted a bit of an oomph to it, and I sadly did not feel that as I reached the end of the finish line. 😞
“She built her reputation on such dogged determination. Ultimately it cost her everything back then. The only difference now is that she has nothing left to lose.”
The writing was engaging; written out like a crime drama that easily alternated between both time frames, one that wholly drew you into the scenes and kept your attention, building up the suspense and intrigue in a compelling way. I was never bored, in how it's literally a race against time, but also gives enough insight to Julia's character. I was invested to see what connection sixty-year-old retired Garda Detective Julia Harte shared with the recent copycat killings, that bore similarities to a case she was heavily involved in nearly thirty years ago. 🥺 With 'the most ineffective guard dog she has ever met, and now, her only companion,' Mutt, by her side, she's forced out of her reclusive self-imposed penance of loneliness, to lend a hand in tracking down the murderous killer before they struck again became her driving force, despite the remnants of the ghosts of her past that still haunt in The Dark Hours that remind her of her failures and the unwitting pain she may have caused. 😥
“She follows him back to the others, feeling as though Cuan Beag doesn’t exist, her solitude was just a dream and nothing at all has changed.”
The author approached the relationships in both timelines with a steady hand and captured how Julia's personality was still focused on proving her merit in a male-dominated society, one that was always determined to prove herself in any form of investigation. 😟 And that was also her vice; for as much as she was bold and daring, and smart, her actions also came at a price, costing the lives of others and sacrificing her own happiness. The echoes of her own uselessness and worthlessness forced her to act even louder and stronger to figure out who may be behind it - in both timelines - to prevent any more senseless murders. We also got to see her human side, the one that showed how serious she was in her convictions and duties, even when she was visibly frustrated at the lack of acknowledgement she received from her peers. 'Call me Julia, for God’s sake!” How many times!' She was compassionate of the victims, she deeply regretted her role in her partner's death, and suffered greatly when even her good intentions were misconstrued. 😔
“All clues lead to something, and some present a fork in the road of the investigation— Julia learned that the trick is following all the roads, not choosing which one to take.”
Dear Authors, what would it take for you to make it a little harder for the readers to figure out who the guilty suspect is? If the idea was that it was not meant to be so difficult to figure out, that it was deliberate, simply because the focus was to make it a character-driven mystery, instead, I'll bite. 🤷🏻♀️ But, the fact that it was so blatantly obvious right from the start who the killer was, was just annoying. With no other cast of suspects, it doesn't really hold any suspense or intrigue to figure out who it was! I kept hoping beyond hope that the past murderer would prove otherwise, but my suspicions were confirmed when the build-up was handled in a bit of a rushed process that really was upsetting. 🙎🏻♀️😮💨
“But Julia knows anything is possible in the dark hours.”
Granted, it is the reasoning behind it that is what should be taken into consideration, then yes, it does succeed on that; as in we don't know the connection that ties it all together, so that part did work well. 🤔 Though, it was also disappointing to discover that most of the twists and reveals were not entirely relevant throughout the story-line - as in, they came out of the blue and were divulged later, so they didn't really feel like I was leading up to said conclusion. So, as much as it was gripping and I enjoyed the multi-faceted relationships portrayed - Riordan and Julia's especially, the randomness and predictability of the suspense factor was too much of a let down. I wanted a bit of an oomph to it, and I sadly did not feel that as I reached the end of the finish line. 😞
November 13, 2024
Now that is how you do a crime book!! What a brilliant debut from Amy Jordan, an author that I am already looking forward to reading more from. I am really excited by this book and hope that it will be a big success.
A serial killer..and a copy cat killer. 30 years apart. Former Guarda detective Julia Harte is now living the quiet life in a small village on Irelands coast. Now in her 60’s, she is relieved when she hears that the serial killer she helped put away in 1994 has died in prison. She can finally relax..or can she? Soon she is summoned back to Cork to help stop a copycat who is following in the footsteps of this serial killer.
Told in dual timelines of then in 1994 and today, we learn about both cases and how they relate. We see what Julia risked for this case, what it cost her and why it still has a massive impact on her today. I don’t what to say too much, just read this and be constantly shocked and surprised. This is a brilliant police procedural. I loved that our protagonist was an older woman, who uses her experience in life and in her career to try to stop a ruthless killer. Really well done.
Thank you so much to HTP, MIRA on NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. Publishes on January 28th, 2025.
A serial killer..and a copy cat killer. 30 years apart. Former Guarda detective Julia Harte is now living the quiet life in a small village on Irelands coast. Now in her 60’s, she is relieved when she hears that the serial killer she helped put away in 1994 has died in prison. She can finally relax..or can she? Soon she is summoned back to Cork to help stop a copycat who is following in the footsteps of this serial killer.
Told in dual timelines of then in 1994 and today, we learn about both cases and how they relate. We see what Julia risked for this case, what it cost her and why it still has a massive impact on her today. I don’t what to say too much, just read this and be constantly shocked and surprised. This is a brilliant police procedural. I loved that our protagonist was an older woman, who uses her experience in life and in her career to try to stop a ruthless killer. Really well done.
Thank you so much to HTP, MIRA on NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. Publishes on January 28th, 2025.
March 7, 2025
I don’t typically go for police procedural thrillers, however the opening scene of this had my heart pounding and I was invested in seeing the plot through to the end.
I listened to the audiobook version and the narrator did a great job. I loved her accent and she has a calming voice I’d put somewhere close to middle aged which fitted the profile of the character she was portraying making the whole experience more believable.
You know the feeling you get on a dark cold night when there’s a noisy downpour of rain going on outside? That’s the vibe you get with this book and how I felt throughout reading. Knowing a serial killer / copy cat killer is out there somewhere in the shadows watching their prey, definitely gives you the heebiejeebies.
I will say by the end of the book I was a bit zoned out, I think the ending could benefit from being shortened and the past day case solved more closely in chapters to the present day case and wrapped up in a quicker time span so the reader doesn’t begin to lose interest. This may just be the case for myself though as I before mentioned I don’t tend to love police procedural thrillers.
Overall I liked the small town setting, the murder mystery cases and one thing I did notice is I felt protective of the main character and that feeling remained until the end.
Thank you for the gifted copy!
I listened to the audiobook version and the narrator did a great job. I loved her accent and she has a calming voice I’d put somewhere close to middle aged which fitted the profile of the character she was portraying making the whole experience more believable.
You know the feeling you get on a dark cold night when there’s a noisy downpour of rain going on outside? That’s the vibe you get with this book and how I felt throughout reading. Knowing a serial killer / copy cat killer is out there somewhere in the shadows watching their prey, definitely gives you the heebiejeebies.
I will say by the end of the book I was a bit zoned out, I think the ending could benefit from being shortened and the past day case solved more closely in chapters to the present day case and wrapped up in a quicker time span so the reader doesn’t begin to lose interest. This may just be the case for myself though as I before mentioned I don’t tend to love police procedural thrillers.
Overall I liked the small town setting, the murder mystery cases and one thing I did notice is I felt protective of the main character and that feeling remained until the end.
Thank you for the gifted copy!
February 15, 2025
So bad it´s laughable. Whiny main character,utterly unbelievable that she´s "a legend" in the Garda while afraid of her own shadow, cardboard characters,ridden with clichés (I´m getting tired of the constant whine of sexism in the workplace) : gruff but heart of gold superior, hostile detective that turns admiring,etc, etc. Not to mention you could spot the culprit the second he/she appears in 1994, as other reviewers have pointed out, and the 2024 reveal is absolutely ridiculous.
February 25, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Best book I’ve read in a while!! I was totally invested.. Really, really good story & the characters were GREAT!! Can’t wait to see what this author does next!
February 1, 2025
Retired Detective Inspector Julia Harte reluctantly agrees to consult on a new murder case that seems like a copy of a horrific set of murders committed thirty years earlier, in Cork, Ireland, when she was just a Garda. Those events haunt her even now and changed the course of her life and career.
Both mysteries, the 1994 case and the new connected 2024 case were riveting! Loved Julia, as a Garda back in 1994, and as the seasoned, retired Detective Inspector in 2024 trying for a life of anonymity.
As a new Garda she was eager to become a detective, but also desperate to find the cruel killer that struck at her personally. Back then, she rushed, a little reckless, but was smart and a quick learner. Julia in 2024 is comfortable in her own skin, trusts her instincts and doesn’t take unnecessary chances. I loved the relationship with her old boss and mentor, Des Riordan, a man who treated her opinions with respect even before she made detective. Something that wasn’t always the case with her being a woman on the job.
Sometimes a story will stall out in places when there’s a dual timeline, but this was a tightly woven narrative, and I was on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next! The story wrapped up in an exciting and satisfying conclusion!
This is my first time reading Amy Jordan. I’ll be on the lookout for whatever she comes up with next!
I alternately listened to and read an audio and e-copy. Flora Montgomery’s narration was excellent, bringing the character’s emotions and urgency of the story to life! I loved her Irish accent!
I voluntarily listened to and read an advanced copy courtesy of the publishers. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
Both mysteries, the 1994 case and the new connected 2024 case were riveting! Loved Julia, as a Garda back in 1994, and as the seasoned, retired Detective Inspector in 2024 trying for a life of anonymity.
As a new Garda she was eager to become a detective, but also desperate to find the cruel killer that struck at her personally. Back then, she rushed, a little reckless, but was smart and a quick learner. Julia in 2024 is comfortable in her own skin, trusts her instincts and doesn’t take unnecessary chances. I loved the relationship with her old boss and mentor, Des Riordan, a man who treated her opinions with respect even before she made detective. Something that wasn’t always the case with her being a woman on the job.
Sometimes a story will stall out in places when there’s a dual timeline, but this was a tightly woven narrative, and I was on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next! The story wrapped up in an exciting and satisfying conclusion!
This is my first time reading Amy Jordan. I’ll be on the lookout for whatever she comes up with next!
I alternately listened to and read an audio and e-copy. Flora Montgomery’s narration was excellent, bringing the character’s emotions and urgency of the story to life! I loved her Irish accent!
I voluntarily listened to and read an advanced copy courtesy of the publishers. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
February 26, 2025
This story is told in third person and follows Julia Harte, a retired police investigator in Ireland who is requested when a murder investigation has eerie similarities to murders committed by a now deceased serial killer that she helped apprehend when she was a Garda. The story is told in dual timelines mirroring the current investigation with the events of 1994 in clearly labeled chapter headings. I thought the dual timelines were handled strategically, interweaving the two investigations and giving just enough information to keep me engaged without frustration as details of the past gave a sense of foreboding to the current storyline.
I loved the juxtaposition of the relationships that Julia had with various characters in the past and present, especially with Des. I commiserated with the younger Julia and her frustration at being sidelined as a woman and trying to balance her career and marriage. She also has that run into a situation without thinking bit that often makes me scream in frustration. I enjoyed her more mature perspective in looking back on those events and the experience she lent to the new investigation despite the new generation’s efforts to sideline her again. The more things change…
I primarily listened to the audiobook which was narrated by Flora Montgomery. This was my first time listening to this narrator. I enjoyed her characters’ voices, and the compelling tone used to describe the various aspects of the mystery and suspenseful moments.
Recommended to readers that enjoy atmospheric mysteries.
Thank you to Netgalley, MIRA Books, Harlequin Trade Publishing, The Hive, and Harlequin Audio for a copy provided for an honest review.
I loved the juxtaposition of the relationships that Julia had with various characters in the past and present, especially with Des. I commiserated with the younger Julia and her frustration at being sidelined as a woman and trying to balance her career and marriage. She also has that run into a situation without thinking bit that often makes me scream in frustration. I enjoyed her more mature perspective in looking back on those events and the experience she lent to the new investigation despite the new generation’s efforts to sideline her again. The more things change…
I primarily listened to the audiobook which was narrated by Flora Montgomery. This was my first time listening to this narrator. I enjoyed her characters’ voices, and the compelling tone used to describe the various aspects of the mystery and suspenseful moments.
Recommended to readers that enjoy atmospheric mysteries.
Thank you to Netgalley, MIRA Books, Harlequin Trade Publishing, The Hive, and Harlequin Audio for a copy provided for an honest review.
January 29, 2025
It’s the last Wednesday of January, so it’s that time again. Book review time! This month, I went for more of a mystery thriller type book. I was looking for something engaging and quick paced like thrillers should be. The Dark Hours by Amy Jordan was released yesterday (the 28th) from MIRA Books. As usual, I must thank them and NetGalley for giving me access to an ARC in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. Let’s do the thing!
The Dark Hours follows Garda (Irish policeperson) Julia Harte as both a young woman and as a retired Detective Inspector. It’s a braided narrative where two storylines play out by alternating back and forth. In 1994, Julia’s partner has been murdered by someone who has just killed two young women and has set his sights on Julia for some reason. In 2024, after Julia has retired to a small town, it’s announced that the original perpetrator is dead, but why have two young women just been found murdered in similar circumstances to the 1994 murders? Can Julia figure out what’s going on and why she seems to be in the middle of both these cases?
I didn’t realize this was a braided narrative with present and past storylines or else I wouldn’t have requested it. I’m always bored with at least one of them in crime fiction. This was no exception. The present storyline gives things away about the past and vice versa, but not in a good way. In the past, the main character can be in mortal danger, but there’s absolutely no tension because you already know she survives. It just ruins a lot for me. But aside from that, both plotlines were fairly standard. Retired detective gets on the nerves of the current detective who doesn’t think he needs assistance. Random past cases somehow merge into one convoluted Frankencase. No real twists if you have any experience with mystery thrillers. It was standard and that’s okay. Not bad, but not great.
The main problem I had with this book was that none of the characters were particularly likeable. Young Julia was an idiot with zero sense of self-preservation. Old Julia was stuck pining over someone who wasn’t worth her time. I know I was supposed to feel bad about what happened to her husband, but he was a douchebag. She insists he was wonderful, but every time we see him, his whole vibe boils down to “I knew you wanted to be a cop and focus on your career, so I supported you until we got married, at which point you were supposed to quit and start popping out kids, and since you didn’t do what I wanted, you’re a bitch.” Like, dude… get over yourself. Everyone else were cardboard cutouts. There was no one to really root for or get attached to.
I also had issues with the way the story unfolded. I knew who the murderers were as soon as they were introduced, which isn’t a problem, but their motives just felt random and weak. I think this was because all of the aha moments were pretty random as well. In good crime fiction, you can usually trace a thread of connected events that is subtly woven in with red herrings and character development and all the other stuff that makes a book a book. But once in a while, a book will throw random major plot points at you without the thread. There’s nothing you can look back at and say “oh, that makes sense now.” It’s disconcerting and dissatisfying. This book does the latter and hopes the reader will be satisfied with the explanation that “it’s got to do with one of hundreds of past cases that aren’t connected and weren’t mentioned earlier.” I, for one, wasn’t happy with that.
The writing style was fine. I was hoping for a more exciting story, but it was a pretty quick read, so I can’t really complain about the writing.
Ultimately, The Dark Hours was not for me. It had potential, but the execution was mediocre across the board. If another book by Amy Jordan fell in my lap, I’d give it a shot, but it’s nothing I’m going to look for.
Overall, I gave it 2 out of 5 stars. A lot of the reviews love it, so maybe I’m being too harsh. I wouldn’t recommend it to a fellow writer since a lot of my complaints come from that angle, but if you’re super into mysteries, check it out and tell me if I’m wrong.
The Dark Hours follows Garda (Irish policeperson) Julia Harte as both a young woman and as a retired Detective Inspector. It’s a braided narrative where two storylines play out by alternating back and forth. In 1994, Julia’s partner has been murdered by someone who has just killed two young women and has set his sights on Julia for some reason. In 2024, after Julia has retired to a small town, it’s announced that the original perpetrator is dead, but why have two young women just been found murdered in similar circumstances to the 1994 murders? Can Julia figure out what’s going on and why she seems to be in the middle of both these cases?
I didn’t realize this was a braided narrative with present and past storylines or else I wouldn’t have requested it. I’m always bored with at least one of them in crime fiction. This was no exception. The present storyline gives things away about the past and vice versa, but not in a good way. In the past, the main character can be in mortal danger, but there’s absolutely no tension because you already know she survives. It just ruins a lot for me. But aside from that, both plotlines were fairly standard. Retired detective gets on the nerves of the current detective who doesn’t think he needs assistance. Random past cases somehow merge into one convoluted Frankencase. No real twists if you have any experience with mystery thrillers. It was standard and that’s okay. Not bad, but not great.
The main problem I had with this book was that none of the characters were particularly likeable. Young Julia was an idiot with zero sense of self-preservation. Old Julia was stuck pining over someone who wasn’t worth her time. I know I was supposed to feel bad about what happened to her husband, but he was a douchebag. She insists he was wonderful, but every time we see him, his whole vibe boils down to “I knew you wanted to be a cop and focus on your career, so I supported you until we got married, at which point you were supposed to quit and start popping out kids, and since you didn’t do what I wanted, you’re a bitch.” Like, dude… get over yourself. Everyone else were cardboard cutouts. There was no one to really root for or get attached to.
I also had issues with the way the story unfolded. I knew who the murderers were as soon as they were introduced, which isn’t a problem, but their motives just felt random and weak. I think this was because all of the aha moments were pretty random as well. In good crime fiction, you can usually trace a thread of connected events that is subtly woven in with red herrings and character development and all the other stuff that makes a book a book. But once in a while, a book will throw random major plot points at you without the thread. There’s nothing you can look back at and say “oh, that makes sense now.” It’s disconcerting and dissatisfying. This book does the latter and hopes the reader will be satisfied with the explanation that “it’s got to do with one of hundreds of past cases that aren’t connected and weren’t mentioned earlier.” I, for one, wasn’t happy with that.
The writing style was fine. I was hoping for a more exciting story, but it was a pretty quick read, so I can’t really complain about the writing.
Ultimately, The Dark Hours was not for me. It had potential, but the execution was mediocre across the board. If another book by Amy Jordan fell in my lap, I’d give it a shot, but it’s nothing I’m going to look for.
Overall, I gave it 2 out of 5 stars. A lot of the reviews love it, so maybe I’m being too harsh. I wouldn’t recommend it to a fellow writer since a lot of my complaints come from that angle, but if you’re super into mysteries, check it out and tell me if I’m wrong.
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January 28, 2025#Netgalley #Gifted
The Dark Hours is the debut novel from Irish author Amy Jordan. It’s out this week, and if you love a creepy thriller mixed with a police procedural, then you’ll love this. My nerves were shot!
Set in Cork over two timelines, we meet retired Detective Inspector Julia Harte in the modern day setting. She lives a quiet life in a secluded coastal village with her dog, she keeps to herself and always has a golf club on hand in case someone very dangerous comes back from her past.
This brings us back to the second timeline; 1994, where Julia is a young Garda embroiled in an investigation of what turns out to be the worst serial killer Ireland has ever known.
She is profoundly affected by this case and so is horrified but willing to help when she’s asked as a retired detective to return to Cork city and help in what appears to be a copy cat killer of the 1994 murders. One big problem with that is Julia appears to be a target herself, can she stop this new threat before they stop her?
This is a seriously well written, gripping thriller. A word of warning; it’s dark. I feel like if you’ve enjoyed the Kay Scarpetta books, and the tv shows Silent Witness and Luther, you’ll appreciate The Dark Hours too. I’m hoping someone in RTE is a reader and picks this one up because I think it would make excellent tv; I love that our protagonist is both a plucky young garda trying to make her way in a sexist institution, and later, a seasoned professional, wise and no-nonsense in her approach. A badass, either way. We need more female characters like Julia.
Highly recommend this one, I was glued to my kindle! With many thanks @netgalley for my early copy. All opinions are my own, as always.
The Dark Hours is the debut novel from Irish author Amy Jordan. It’s out this week, and if you love a creepy thriller mixed with a police procedural, then you’ll love this. My nerves were shot!
Set in Cork over two timelines, we meet retired Detective Inspector Julia Harte in the modern day setting. She lives a quiet life in a secluded coastal village with her dog, she keeps to herself and always has a golf club on hand in case someone very dangerous comes back from her past.
This brings us back to the second timeline; 1994, where Julia is a young Garda embroiled in an investigation of what turns out to be the worst serial killer Ireland has ever known.
She is profoundly affected by this case and so is horrified but willing to help when she’s asked as a retired detective to return to Cork city and help in what appears to be a copy cat killer of the 1994 murders. One big problem with that is Julia appears to be a target herself, can she stop this new threat before they stop her?
This is a seriously well written, gripping thriller. A word of warning; it’s dark. I feel like if you’ve enjoyed the Kay Scarpetta books, and the tv shows Silent Witness and Luther, you’ll appreciate The Dark Hours too. I’m hoping someone in RTE is a reader and picks this one up because I think it would make excellent tv; I love that our protagonist is both a plucky young garda trying to make her way in a sexist institution, and later, a seasoned professional, wise and no-nonsense in her approach. A badass, either way. We need more female characters like Julia.
Highly recommend this one, I was glued to my kindle! With many thanks @netgalley for my early copy. All opinions are my own, as always.
September 8, 2024
The Dark Hours is an outstanding thriller with a fresh and original protagonist. Jordan's use of language and tight plotting made it impossible to put this book down! 5 stars all the way!
Read
March 28, 2025No rating. I could not stick with this whiny woman and so definitely a first effort. Probably no more from this author. Garda! Nope I don't believe it. DNF before half.
November 26, 2025
The Dark Hours centres around ex-DI Julia Harte and her involvement in two serial killer crimes.
Set in 1994, the time of the first murders, and 2024 when she is called out of retirement to help solve a copycat case, The Dark Hours follows Julia as she works to understand why young women are being marked then murdered. Both cases will cost her dearly as her professional and personal life come under fire.
I started out enjoying the book, which had an interesting premise but the two cases mirror each other so closely that you are getting one story repeated. Plus the second case has a denouement and killer so farfetched that I completely fell out with it.
I found it somewhat unbelievable that two killers would be so focused on one detective that they would go to such lengths. The first killer made some sense but not the second. Julia isnt a particularly likeable character either, being so obsessed that she ignores everything else in her life. If I'd been her partner I'd have booted her out long ago.
Not a book I'd particularly recommend.
Set in 1994, the time of the first murders, and 2024 when she is called out of retirement to help solve a copycat case, The Dark Hours follows Julia as she works to understand why young women are being marked then murdered. Both cases will cost her dearly as her professional and personal life come under fire.
I started out enjoying the book, which had an interesting premise but the two cases mirror each other so closely that you are getting one story repeated. Plus the second case has a denouement and killer so farfetched that I completely fell out with it.
I found it somewhat unbelievable that two killers would be so focused on one detective that they would go to such lengths. The first killer made some sense but not the second. Julia isnt a particularly likeable character either, being so obsessed that she ignores everything else in her life. If I'd been her partner I'd have booted her out long ago.
Not a book I'd particularly recommend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 20, 2025
Thirty years ago when Julia Harte was a young copper, Ireland's most notorious serial killer murdered her partner and a victim she was trying to save, unexpectedly sparing her life. Cut to the present day and a copycat killer is on the loose, recreating the events from the 1990s. Julia Harte once again finds herself enmeshed in the search to find the killer—no longer a spring chicken.
I'm drawn to any thriller or mystery set in Ireland. It's a vibe that really gets me going. Unfortunately, this one took a while and by the end, I was left unsatisfied. Almost like I housed an entire bag of potato chips and found myself still hungry. There were moments of pure gold but then many others that lost my enthusiasm. My favorite part of the book is a chilling moment where Julia connects all the dots. I had literal chills running down my body and I was terrified. That saved it for me. And Julia Harte. I love her as a character and felt a pull to her. Many of the other characters merged together and I had trouble distinguishing some of them all the way to the end but not Julia Harte. She's a gem.
Overall, I felt transported to Ireland and that is enough for me.
I'm drawn to any thriller or mystery set in Ireland. It's a vibe that really gets me going. Unfortunately, this one took a while and by the end, I was left unsatisfied. Almost like I housed an entire bag of potato chips and found myself still hungry. There were moments of pure gold but then many others that lost my enthusiasm. My favorite part of the book is a chilling moment where Julia connects all the dots. I had literal chills running down my body and I was terrified. That saved it for me. And Julia Harte. I love her as a character and felt a pull to her. Many of the other characters merged together and I had trouble distinguishing some of them all the way to the end but not Julia Harte. She's a gem.
Overall, I felt transported to Ireland and that is enough for me.
January 25, 2025
The Dark Hours by Amy Jordan is a crime novel.
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Harlequin Trade Publishing, and the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
In 1994, Julia Harte, a police officer in Ireland, lost both her partner Adrian, and her husband Philip. Both were because of a case involving a serial killer named James Cox. Although she helped put him away, she suffered both physically and emotionally.
In 2024, Julia Harte, retired police officer, returns to the home she had left 30 years ago. The book that she had written has been found next to the bodies of two young girls. The positioning of the bodies is identical to those left by James Cox, who has recently died. There's a copycat killer out there, and she is determined to help prevent any more deaths.
My Opinions:
For a debut novel, I was quite impressed. The whole thing gripped me tight from start to finish.
The book alternated between the two time-lines, and two stories. There was no confusion, and both held my attention equally.
The plot was really good, and the characters strong. I absolutely loved Julia. It's not often you have an older woman as the main protagonist in a crime novel, and she was great! Talk about a determined, strong woman, who knows her own mind, and is willing to sacrifice everything to find the answers.
I really can't find any fault with this book. This was simply a brilliant debut novel, and I can't wait to see what this author writes next!
For a more complete review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, as well as author information), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
August 2, 2025
A very solid dual timeline police procedural, 1994 and 2024. I was however very disappointed at the perpetrator of 2024 because the reason of why the crimes were committed was flimsy to say the least.
Please authors, enough with police women who are constantly traumatized or have PTSD. It has been done so many times and in so many ways by authors of both sexes that it is becoming redundant and boring. In men you see the trauma and it is discussed, dealt with in some cases, in others appears minimally throughout the plot but in this book it was one of the main storylines. By doing this, the central character becomes weaker and women have enough problems dealing with misogynistic attitudes in the workplace. According to these authors, women cannot be seriously considered for a career in law enforcement. In Julia’s case she started hiding golf clubs and flashlights everywhere.
In this book 1994 felt like 1954, from Julia’s husband to her co workers, the sexism was brutal. Also, if I read “You can call me Julia” again I will scream, she keeps saying it over and over and everyone call her Mrs. Harte. She kept putting herself down constantly, comparing herself to her superior officer ( a man) noting always that he is more perceptive than her and more competent. Writing was excellent but a weak character and an ending not tied to the original story from 1994 made me lower my score from four to three stars.
Please authors, enough with police women who are constantly traumatized or have PTSD. It has been done so many times and in so many ways by authors of both sexes that it is becoming redundant and boring. In men you see the trauma and it is discussed, dealt with in some cases, in others appears minimally throughout the plot but in this book it was one of the main storylines. By doing this, the central character becomes weaker and women have enough problems dealing with misogynistic attitudes in the workplace. According to these authors, women cannot be seriously considered for a career in law enforcement. In Julia’s case she started hiding golf clubs and flashlights everywhere.
In this book 1994 felt like 1954, from Julia’s husband to her co workers, the sexism was brutal. Also, if I read “You can call me Julia” again I will scream, she keeps saying it over and over and everyone call her Mrs. Harte. She kept putting herself down constantly, comparing herself to her superior officer ( a man) noting always that he is more perceptive than her and more competent. Writing was excellent but a weak character and an ending not tied to the original story from 1994 made me lower my score from four to three stars.
March 25, 2025
The Dark Hours appears to be this author's debut under the name Amy Jordan, but I realized she also writes under the name Amy Cronin and I have added all books under that pen name to my TBR! This book was a slow but steady build for me, and I loved the mix of crime and detective fiction. Julia is our only viewpoint throughout the book which jumps between 2024 where she is (currently retired) looking for a missing girl and apparent copycat killer, and 1994 when she is hunting the original serial killer whose crimes are being copied. The back and forth was labeled in each chapter, but I did still find myself getting confused with which timeline I was in. I think this may just be an issue where it didn’t translate as well into audio, and reading the book might be better.
Be that as it may, I did quite enjoy the audiobook which is narrated by Flora Montgomery. I thought she was the perfect person to give voice to Julia as well as the book as a whole, and every emotion our FMC experienced came through in her voice and inflections. I felt the suspenseful moments even more thanks to the audio, and I would still recommend it if you can keep the timelines straight. Probably a plus if you completely focus on the audiobook while listening too. 😉 There are a lot of dark and unsettling aspects to the story and times that were detailed and a little gory. I got completely lost in Jordan’s writing and the twist was superb! I can’t wait to see what she writes next.
Read this if you are looking for vivid writing, a mind-blowing twist, and complex relationships.
Audiobook Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
I received a complimentary listening copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Be that as it may, I did quite enjoy the audiobook which is narrated by Flora Montgomery. I thought she was the perfect person to give voice to Julia as well as the book as a whole, and every emotion our FMC experienced came through in her voice and inflections. I felt the suspenseful moments even more thanks to the audio, and I would still recommend it if you can keep the timelines straight. Probably a plus if you completely focus on the audiobook while listening too. 😉 There are a lot of dark and unsettling aspects to the story and times that were detailed and a little gory. I got completely lost in Jordan’s writing and the twist was superb! I can’t wait to see what she writes next.
Read this if you are looking for vivid writing, a mind-blowing twist, and complex relationships.
Audiobook Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
I received a complimentary listening copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
February 13, 2025
I really love what I call an OG thriller, a book that hasn't been watered down to make it more family friendly, a book that isn't afraid to embrace darkness and The Dark Hours definitely ticks all those boxes.
Most thrillers these days get a three star rating from me, and that's if I'm in a generous mood, but I rated this one 4.5 because it's executed so well. I was completely captivated but also invested in the storyline. This book made my heart literally race and gave me the chills. It almost made me afraid of the dark.
Thirty years ago, retired Detective Julia Harte helped bring down the most prolific serial killer Ireland has ever seen, and whilst that catapulted her to success in terms of her police career and becoming an author, the price was also heavy and the reason she's in hiding now. Haunted by the things that happened all those years ago, she lives in a coastal town of Ireland with her dog Mutt.
When a copycat killer strikes and young women end up dead Julia is called back to active duty, but she's more experience now, she knows how killers like this operate and she's determined to bring them down.
Fast-paced, addictive and chilling. This book will keep you up way past your bedtime, and I highly recommend it! I can't wait to see what this author writes next.
Most thrillers these days get a three star rating from me, and that's if I'm in a generous mood, but I rated this one 4.5 because it's executed so well. I was completely captivated but also invested in the storyline. This book made my heart literally race and gave me the chills. It almost made me afraid of the dark.
Thirty years ago, retired Detective Julia Harte helped bring down the most prolific serial killer Ireland has ever seen, and whilst that catapulted her to success in terms of her police career and becoming an author, the price was also heavy and the reason she's in hiding now. Haunted by the things that happened all those years ago, she lives in a coastal town of Ireland with her dog Mutt.
When a copycat killer strikes and young women end up dead Julia is called back to active duty, but she's more experience now, she knows how killers like this operate and she's determined to bring them down.
Fast-paced, addictive and chilling. This book will keep you up way past your bedtime, and I highly recommend it! I can't wait to see what this author writes next.
February 7, 2025
Serial killer theme with graphic descriptions and more unpleasantness than I could handle at this moment in time.
Library Loan
Library Loan
February 7, 2025
Sixty year old Julia Harte lives alone with her rescue dog, Mutt, is a tiny Irish village. Retired now, she was once a Detective Inspector with the Irish Garda Síochána. In 1994 she and her partner attended a noise complaint of crying heard from a house. On that fateful day Julia's world was forever changed, her partner lost his life, and Julia's marriage began to crumble.
That day marked the beginning of her involvement in a hunt for a serial killer.
Now, it is 2024 and Julia receives a phone call from her old superintendent. Though the killer they hunted thirty years ago has recently died, there has been another crime committed that seems to be a copycat of the 1994 murders.
Julia Harte is a well fleshed out character. During her decades with the Gardaí she was a driven and exceptional police woman. Now retired, she is very lonely and still feels the effects of all the loss and trauma that has touched her life.
This crime thriller explores the psychological aftermath of trauma and violence.
"She hates the night, never sleeping more than a few hours. If she were to try to explain it to someone, she would say that the dead, the victims she didn't save, come for her during the dark hours."
The resolution of the crimes was perhaps wrapped up a bit too neatly, but that is a minor quibble. The author threw in a twist that was unexpected.
In summation, "The Dark Hours" is an accomplished debut novel that more than satisfies genre expectations. A suspense-filled psychological thriller skilfully blended with a police procedural. I'll be keeping my eyes open for more from this talented author.
That day marked the beginning of her involvement in a hunt for a serial killer.
Now, it is 2024 and Julia receives a phone call from her old superintendent. Though the killer they hunted thirty years ago has recently died, there has been another crime committed that seems to be a copycat of the 1994 murders.
Julia Harte is a well fleshed out character. During her decades with the Gardaí she was a driven and exceptional police woman. Now retired, she is very lonely and still feels the effects of all the loss and trauma that has touched her life.
This crime thriller explores the psychological aftermath of trauma and violence.
"She hates the night, never sleeping more than a few hours. If she were to try to explain it to someone, she would say that the dead, the victims she didn't save, come for her during the dark hours."
The resolution of the crimes was perhaps wrapped up a bit too neatly, but that is a minor quibble. The author threw in a twist that was unexpected.
In summation, "The Dark Hours" is an accomplished debut novel that more than satisfies genre expectations. A suspense-filled psychological thriller skilfully blended with a police procedural. I'll be keeping my eyes open for more from this talented author.
April 26, 2025
This is one of those books where the “excitement” is created by having the heroine do stupid things time after time after time. Don’t go in there alone Julia! Not again! No, seriously…not again. Sigh. It just gets old. Also, key info from the past is concealed from the reader, but the heroine knows it, so why wouldn’t she follow up? Sloppy plotting.
February 4, 2025
5⭐️ An immersive and atmospheric read. This is well written and the stories grip you in until the final resolution. Also, fantastic characters, especially Julia, which I hope there will be a sequel so we get to meet her again (and of course, Mutt!).
March 17, 2025
Wow, the ratings for this surprise me! Amatuerish writing, and I knew who the killer was barely a chapter in. There are WAY better thrillers out there than this one!!
March 5, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Amy Jordan's The Dark Hours is a crime thriller and it deliver a story thats gripping.
Set against the evocative backdrop of Ireland, the novel introduces us to Julia Harte, a former Garda officer whose life was irrevocably altered by a harrowing case in 1994. Now, decades later, a chillingly familiar series of murders pulls her out of retirement and back into the shadows she thought she'd escaped.
The dual timelines are intricately woven, with each revelation from the past adding layers of tension to the present-day investigation. This structure keeps the suspenseful making the novel hard to put down.
The Dark Hours is a must-read. Highly recommended.
Amy Jordan's The Dark Hours is a crime thriller and it deliver a story thats gripping.
Set against the evocative backdrop of Ireland, the novel introduces us to Julia Harte, a former Garda officer whose life was irrevocably altered by a harrowing case in 1994. Now, decades later, a chillingly familiar series of murders pulls her out of retirement and back into the shadows she thought she'd escaped.
The dual timelines are intricately woven, with each revelation from the past adding layers of tension to the present-day investigation. This structure keeps the suspenseful making the novel hard to put down.
The Dark Hours is a must-read. Highly recommended.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2025
Listened to this one on audiobook, and the narrator was great. Good story, good characters, well-written, and the time shifts were handled well. The motive and perpetrator in the 2024 case did not feel plausible to me, and felt like a bit of a letdown compared to the 1994 case. Still very enjoyable overall.
Want to read
December 12, 2025dnf
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