Dark Room

by Alex North

For DI Andrew Hicks, solving a murder is your first suspicions are usually right.
So when the brutally beaten body of a young woman is found, Hicks immediately turns his attention to the most likely culprit – her possessive ex-husband.
But when a second body is found, similarly beaten, Hicks is forced to think again about his suspect.
As the death toll starts rising, Hicks realises he’s dealing with something much darker – and deadlier – than he’d imagined.
A serial killer is at large – one who revels in chaos.
To stop the senseless murders, Hicks must bring the killer to justice.
But will his own demons stand in the way?

Genres: Thriller, Mystery Thriller

390 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 16, 2025

About the author

Alex North was born in Leeds, England, where he now lives with his wife and son. The Whisper Man was inspired by North's own little boy, who mentioned one day that he was playing with "the boy in the floor." Alex North is a British crime writer who has previously published under another name.

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alex North has often impressed me with his dark and psychological thrillers and this latest novel is no exception. A murderer who stymies a police detective fuels a hunt for someone who has little concern for being caught, as they hide in the darkest of shadows, waiting to strike again.

When DI Andrew Hicks is called to investigate the murder of a young woman, his first instinct is that the ex-husband is likely involved. Call it intuition, but DI Hicks hand a history with these types of cases. However, a second body soon emerges and DI Hicks is forced to revisit his assumptions. When a note emerges, addressed to him, DI Hicks realises that a dark and sadistic serial killer is on the loose, playing mind games with the seasoned detective. While chasing down leads and leaning on his partner for advice, DI Hicks is triggered by an event in his past that could derail things before long. North delivers a gripping thriller that seeks to push the reader to their limits.

I particularly enjoy psychological thrillers that move briskly, only to deliver a well-timed twist. Alex North has repeatedly done so with his novels and copies that once more with this piece. With a narrative that develops swiftly, fueled by strong ideas and propelled by short chapters that create a steady rhythm, North sets the tone for a dark and highly troubling thriller. Truths emerge on each page, while a sub-plot fuels the reader’s curiosity in which a young DI Hicks could have secrets haunting him. North does well splitting the narrative and presenting subtle truths for all to ponder.

The characters are well crafted and serve the story beautifully. North shapes DI Hicks throughout the story, making his backstory a mystery that does not surface until the final chapters. Readers may form strong allegiance to the detective or steer clear of his skeletons as a serial killer lurks in the shadows. As the story unfolds, the killer becomes bolder and reveals much, while keeping a composure that is both calculated and sadistic. The reader remains front and centre with the action and can judge how they feel about all who grade the pages of this book.

A successful psychological thriller demands momentum, and Alex North delivers on all fronts. He spins a story that seems to be moving confidently in one direction, only to reveal that everything has been unfolding along a very different path, particularly once rooted in the past. Just when the reader believes they have the answers, another revelation upends those assumptions. Discovering Hicks’ fate—and the secret that derailed things—requires careful attention, but the payoff is more than worth it. This is a masterful read, and I will keep an eye open for more Alex North novels before long.

Kudos, Mr. North, for a dark and alluring thriller.

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[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favourite book by a long shot by Alex North. Glad it was a library book and I didn’t buy it.

[Sivvy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another decent crime thriller from Alex North. Be warned that the crimes in question are described pretty graphically and I’ve deducted a couple of stars for the use of some of my bugbear murder mystery tropes (the renegade cop never waiting for backup, and the implausible motive of the perpetrator) but on balance a solid 3.5 stars.

[Juhi Bansal · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a rereleased book by Alex North when he used to publish under his real name. It is quite engaging and the twists keep you hooked. However, the ending is not very convincing. The "who" maybe but definitely not the "why". Would have liked a better premise. But, definitely worth a read.

[Jack_99 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had me engaged from the very beginning and I enjoyed it a lot .
There were lots of interesting twists that I didn't see coming .

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed it. He’s a good author