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Ultimo Press Dark Mode.
Once you’re online, there’s nowhere to hide
Is it paranoia – or is someone watching?
For years, Reagan Carsen has kept her life offline. No socials. No internet presence. No photos. Safe.
Until the day she stumbles on a shocking murder in a Sydney laneway. The victim looks just like her.
Coincidence?
As more murders shake the city and she’s increasingly drawn out from hiding, Reagan is forced to confront her greatest fear.
She’s been found.
A riveting psychological thriller drawn from true events, Dark Mode delves into the terrifying reality of the dark web, and the price we pay for surrendering our privacy one click at a time.
Is it paranoia – or is someone watching?
For years, Reagan Carsen has kept her life offline. No socials. No internet presence. No photos. Safe.
Until the day she stumbles on a shocking murder in a Sydney laneway. The victim looks just like her.
Coincidence?
As more murders shake the city and she’s increasingly drawn out from hiding, Reagan is forced to confront her greatest fear.
She’s been found.
A riveting psychological thriller drawn from true events, Dark Mode delves into the terrifying reality of the dark web, and the price we pay for surrendering our privacy one click at a time.
400 pages, Paperback
First published March 8, 2023
165 people are currently reading
3641 people want to read
About the author
Ashley Kalagian Blunt
10 books174 followers
Ashley Kalagian Blunt
is an author, speaker and podcaster. Her number one bestselling psychological thriller, Dark Mode, was published in Australia/NZ, the UK, South Korea and Germany. It was shortlisted for the 2024 ABIA General Fiction Book of the Year, the Ned Kelly Awards and the Danger Awards.
Her latest thrillers are Cold Truth, which was also shortlisted for the Ned Kelly Award for Best Crime Novel, and Like, Follow, Die.
She has two earlier books, How to Be Australian, a memoir, and My Name Is Revenge, a thriller novella and collected essays. Her writing appears widely across Australian and international publications.
Ashley is a frequent speaker and panel moderator, and co-hosts James and Ashley Stay at Home, a podcast about writing, creativity and health. She has taught creative writing across Australia. Originally from Canada, she has lived and worked in South Korea, Peru and Mexico.
Her latest thrillers are Cold Truth, which was also shortlisted for the Ned Kelly Award for Best Crime Novel, and Like, Follow, Die.
She has two earlier books, How to Be Australian, a memoir, and My Name Is Revenge, a thriller novella and collected essays. Her writing appears widely across Australian and international publications.
Ashley is a frequent speaker and panel moderator, and co-hosts James and Ashley Stay at Home, a podcast about writing, creativity and health. She has taught creative writing across Australia. Originally from Canada, she has lived and worked in South Korea, Peru and Mexico.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 668 reviews
August 24, 2024
An absolute ball breaker, knock it out of the park – a sucker punch read. This was dark, bleak and murky. Scarily close to home. It can happen. Ashley Kalagian Blunt will become known because of this novel. The strength of female friendships never comes even a close second to the awful underworld of misogyny on the deepest dark web. Blunt has put forward a fictional account of one woman’s personal details being open to infiltration on the internet, no matter how careful an individual can try to be. Reagan has so far kept away from the lure of social media, has assumed she is mostly safe because of this. What she does not know is that there are disturbed beings out there who are that depraved and willing to carry out such badness for their own gratification, that safety cannot be an assumed state of being. Contrived and insidious transcripts from a made up misogynistic forum form part of this story, but the author has quoted sources to show this is not far from truth. Some men will go to any lengths; feisty Reagan and her best mate Min have their hands full sifting through a recent Sydney killing which have links to the Black Dahlia murder of 1947, which is eerily becoming much too close for comfort. This is literally around the corner from Reagan.
This book is so easy to read, I flew through it in days. It is equal measures disturbing, absorbing and confronting. Highly recommended, an author to look out for.
With my thanks to Better Reading Magazine for my physical copy to read and review, which also contained interesting background materials and book club resources.
What a book!
Crazy thrilling terrifying ride!
This book is so easy to read, I flew through it in days. It is equal measures disturbing, absorbing and confronting. Highly recommended, an author to look out for.
With my thanks to Better Reading Magazine for my physical copy to read and review, which also contained interesting background materials and book club resources.
What a book!
Crazy thrilling terrifying ride!
March 29, 2023
Oh my goodness!! YOU HAVE TO READ THIS BOOK 📖
Now that I have your attention.. Dark Mode is one of the best books that I have read this year. And it has one of the most beautiful covers I have seen in a long time, especially for a thriller. This book has been all over bookstagram and I just had to get myself a copy. I started to read it and couldn’t stop thinking about it. I ended up finishing it on audio from Scribd, I was dying to find out what happened next.
Dark Mode will have you questioning everything that you do online. Have you ever felypt like you are being watched? Reagan felt that all the time. So when she comes across the body of a woman on her morning run she panics. Even more so when she realises that woman looks like her. She lives her entire life offline, no smart phone, no social media, no photos, nothing. And now she thinks he has found her.
Not giving you anything else, but believe me when I say this book will make you feel incredibly uncomfortable. The fact that the events of this book could happen so easily to any woman is frightening. Set in Sydney, it was very close to home and was addictive until the very end.
Go get this book!
Now that I have your attention.. Dark Mode is one of the best books that I have read this year. And it has one of the most beautiful covers I have seen in a long time, especially for a thriller. This book has been all over bookstagram and I just had to get myself a copy. I started to read it and couldn’t stop thinking about it. I ended up finishing it on audio from Scribd, I was dying to find out what happened next.
Dark Mode will have you questioning everything that you do online. Have you ever felypt like you are being watched? Reagan felt that all the time. So when she comes across the body of a woman on her morning run she panics. Even more so when she realises that woman looks like her. She lives her entire life offline, no smart phone, no social media, no photos, nothing. And now she thinks he has found her.
Not giving you anything else, but believe me when I say this book will make you feel incredibly uncomfortable. The fact that the events of this book could happen so easily to any woman is frightening. Set in Sydney, it was very close to home and was addictive until the very end.
Go get this book!
April 15, 2024
Sorry my friends but I am on outlier island again, I listened to the audio version& for me it didn’t work the narration by Bianca Brady was read at the same pace I just could not get into this one it’s a pity as the plot line sounded great but left me feeling flat.
February 22, 2025
4★
“A ‘mannequin’. It had to be. Human bodies didn't come apart like that.
She edged forward. Gipps Lane was tidy, all bitumen and graffitied concrete, brick walls, and two commercial dumpsters. Nothing alive, not a dandelion or a tuft of moss. Her Timex read 5:57 am. The sun had barely cracked the horizon and already Sydney’s mid-January heat was clinging to her skin. “
Out for her morning run, Reagan has discovered a gruesome scene.
“A fly crawled along the dead woman’s lip, disappearing into her mouth.
Someone needed to call the cops.
And there was no way it would be Reagan.
A flap of wings startled her. An ibis, black-eyed and skulking, stalked toward the body.
Reagan stamped her foot. The bird ignored her, its long black toes curling around the pale skin of the woman’s wrist.
‘Get away!’ Reagan kicked, coming close, and the ibis hopped down, rearing and ruffling its wings as it scuttled away.
Her mobile was in her pocket. But that was traceable, even if she blocked her number.
She needed to get out of there.”
Why? Why not call the police? Because she’s scared to call attention to herself, no matter what, and this scene is even worse than your average jogger-discovers-body-in-park scenario.
“Now the dead woman's face stayed with her. Pale and oval-shaped with a broad forehead, defined lips, thin straight eyebrows, a cherubic nose. And those loose, wild black curls.
She could have been Reagan's twin.
It could be a coincidence. A gigantic f*cking coincidence.
But there was another possibility.
‘Him’.”
It’s only gradually that the author gives us bits of Reagan’s background, and even then it’s incomplete. She has had something terrifying in her past, a stalker – or worse – and she’s made a real effort to lie low and fly under the usual search engine radar, including living overseas in Korea.
She has been happily running her own Sydney florist shop, loves the plants and flowers, but isn’t doing very well financially.
For company and moral support, she relies on her good pal from Korea, Min-Lee Chasse, who writes books about cold case murders and has police contacts from whom she sources information. Min is married to an Aussie, has a couple of cute little kids and a delightful mother, who have all adopted Reagan as part of the family.
After the news media broadcast the grisly information about the dismembered body in the park, Reagan tries to subtly find out through Min what other information her police may have. Did anyone see a woman jogging? Min realises the body was found near where Reagan lives and begins to understand her concern and confronts her.
“‘Your acting skills need work’ Min’s tone stayed neutral but insistent. ‘I saw the crime scene photos. The woman who got killed? She looks exactly like you.’”
On her reluctant way to her mother’s for lunch, Reagan is so distracted that, while driving through rain and fog, she rear-ends the car in front of her. Already worked up about her mum and her shop, she can’t bear to face an angry driver.
Luckily, it’s minor damage, and the guy is understanding. A stroke of luck. She manages the lunch, but her mum says Reagan needs to start thinking about repaying her for the ‘loan’ she and her stepfather gave her. ‘Gift’ is what Reagan remembers. ‘Loan’ is her mother’s interpretation.
Emil, the bank officer had told Reagan they wouldn’t be able to continue her loan if things didn’t pick up soon.
“ ‘Have we talked about marketing?... You’re in luck. It’s one of my little areas of interest.’ Emil rubbed his hands together, his tone more jovial, then rotated his computer screen toward her.
. . .
Emil talked through digital marketing ideas, speaking slowly, like English wasn’t Reagan’s first language. She was a twenty-six-year-old dinosaur. Not a woman who might have good reasons for her choices. Who might be trying to protect herself.”
She eventually gets some help to dip her toe into the murky waters of the internet and social media and attracts a lot of new business to her shop. Things are looking up.
But down below, in those murky waters of the dark web, she is the subject of interest of a particularly unsavoury group. This leads to a creepy look at the weird, horrifying conversations taking place in this underworld where they hunt for targets.
It’s a creepy story that pretty much says, watch your back at all times, and be awfully careful about whom you trust. It’s a good read, but some of the action at the end, terrifying as it was, seemed too far-fetched for me.
It would be a great book club read where you could discuss the various ramifications of Reagan’s situation and her choices, and how they might apply to all of us.
“A ‘mannequin’. It had to be. Human bodies didn't come apart like that.
She edged forward. Gipps Lane was tidy, all bitumen and graffitied concrete, brick walls, and two commercial dumpsters. Nothing alive, not a dandelion or a tuft of moss. Her Timex read 5:57 am. The sun had barely cracked the horizon and already Sydney’s mid-January heat was clinging to her skin. “
Out for her morning run, Reagan has discovered a gruesome scene.
“A fly crawled along the dead woman’s lip, disappearing into her mouth.
Someone needed to call the cops.
And there was no way it would be Reagan.
A flap of wings startled her. An ibis, black-eyed and skulking, stalked toward the body.
Reagan stamped her foot. The bird ignored her, its long black toes curling around the pale skin of the woman’s wrist.
‘Get away!’ Reagan kicked, coming close, and the ibis hopped down, rearing and ruffling its wings as it scuttled away.
Her mobile was in her pocket. But that was traceable, even if she blocked her number.
She needed to get out of there.”
Why? Why not call the police? Because she’s scared to call attention to herself, no matter what, and this scene is even worse than your average jogger-discovers-body-in-park scenario.
“Now the dead woman's face stayed with her. Pale and oval-shaped with a broad forehead, defined lips, thin straight eyebrows, a cherubic nose. And those loose, wild black curls.
She could have been Reagan's twin.
It could be a coincidence. A gigantic f*cking coincidence.
But there was another possibility.
‘Him’.”
It’s only gradually that the author gives us bits of Reagan’s background, and even then it’s incomplete. She has had something terrifying in her past, a stalker – or worse – and she’s made a real effort to lie low and fly under the usual search engine radar, including living overseas in Korea.
She has been happily running her own Sydney florist shop, loves the plants and flowers, but isn’t doing very well financially.
For company and moral support, she relies on her good pal from Korea, Min-Lee Chasse, who writes books about cold case murders and has police contacts from whom she sources information. Min is married to an Aussie, has a couple of cute little kids and a delightful mother, who have all adopted Reagan as part of the family.
After the news media broadcast the grisly information about the dismembered body in the park, Reagan tries to subtly find out through Min what other information her police may have. Did anyone see a woman jogging? Min realises the body was found near where Reagan lives and begins to understand her concern and confronts her.
“‘Your acting skills need work’ Min’s tone stayed neutral but insistent. ‘I saw the crime scene photos. The woman who got killed? She looks exactly like you.’”
On her reluctant way to her mother’s for lunch, Reagan is so distracted that, while driving through rain and fog, she rear-ends the car in front of her. Already worked up about her mum and her shop, she can’t bear to face an angry driver.
Luckily, it’s minor damage, and the guy is understanding. A stroke of luck. She manages the lunch, but her mum says Reagan needs to start thinking about repaying her for the ‘loan’ she and her stepfather gave her. ‘Gift’ is what Reagan remembers. ‘Loan’ is her mother’s interpretation.
Emil, the bank officer had told Reagan they wouldn’t be able to continue her loan if things didn’t pick up soon.
“ ‘Have we talked about marketing?... You’re in luck. It’s one of my little areas of interest.’ Emil rubbed his hands together, his tone more jovial, then rotated his computer screen toward her.
. . .
Emil talked through digital marketing ideas, speaking slowly, like English wasn’t Reagan’s first language. She was a twenty-six-year-old dinosaur. Not a woman who might have good reasons for her choices. Who might be trying to protect herself.”
She eventually gets some help to dip her toe into the murky waters of the internet and social media and attracts a lot of new business to her shop. Things are looking up.
But down below, in those murky waters of the dark web, she is the subject of interest of a particularly unsavoury group. This leads to a creepy look at the weird, horrifying conversations taking place in this underworld where they hunt for targets.
It’s a creepy story that pretty much says, watch your back at all times, and be awfully careful about whom you trust. It’s a good read, but some of the action at the end, terrifying as it was, seemed too far-fetched for me.
It would be a great book club read where you could discuss the various ramifications of Reagan’s situation and her choices, and how they might apply to all of us.
March 9, 2023
Premise 5, execution 2.
May 30, 2023
I was really into the premise of this book, and while I liked some aspects I do think the execution could have been a lot more engaging.
I found the opening of this book super slow, and for the first time in ages I almost put the book down completely and gave up on it. The first 10% in particular was not engaging to me in the slightest, I struggled to care about the characters, and even the grissly scene that opened the book felt overly constructed but forgettable. I did push on, and from about 30% I found the pace picked up a bit, but I still really didn't connect with Reagan and found her very annoying.
*spoilers below*
*
*
*
One of my pet peeves in books and films is when the protagonist could have avoided so much drama and conflict just by telling someone the truth and not outright lying. Reagan's constant denials with Min really bothered me, as she spent so much time going on about how close they were yet she totally blocked her out. I get she was a paranoid character but then by contrast she idiotically just let in the first guy who was nice to her completely, despite her past. It also took her so, so long to connect his convenient appearance in her life with the threats she'd been experiencing, even worrying about his reaction while she was being questioned by the police and found out her past stalker wasn't even around AND he had ghosted her and disconnected his phone that same day... for someone claiming to be cautious and protective of her privacy she really just dropped the ball with him and gave him almost total access to her online presence, business, home, etc very soon after meeting him while learning very little about him.
The emergence of the anti-women male forums wasn't something I expected, and I found this an interesting inclusion, but I do feel like both 'Bryce' and Owen ended up both being super extreme and two-dimensional in a way that felt hard to believe. The ending felt rushed, so even Min's disbelief and struggle to reconcile the man she thought she knew with the killer he was revealed to be didn't feel authentic and lacked emotional impact for me.
Overall I'm glad I pushed through as I found some of the themes interesting, but this novel lacked in execution for me and I didn't find it the most engaging
I found the opening of this book super slow, and for the first time in ages I almost put the book down completely and gave up on it. The first 10% in particular was not engaging to me in the slightest, I struggled to care about the characters, and even the grissly scene that opened the book felt overly constructed but forgettable. I did push on, and from about 30% I found the pace picked up a bit, but I still really didn't connect with Reagan and found her very annoying.
*spoilers below*
*
*
*
One of my pet peeves in books and films is when the protagonist could have avoided so much drama and conflict just by telling someone the truth and not outright lying. Reagan's constant denials with Min really bothered me, as she spent so much time going on about how close they were yet she totally blocked her out. I get she was a paranoid character but then by contrast she idiotically just let in the first guy who was nice to her completely, despite her past. It also took her so, so long to connect his convenient appearance in her life with the threats she'd been experiencing, even worrying about his reaction while she was being questioned by the police and found out her past stalker wasn't even around AND he had ghosted her and disconnected his phone that same day... for someone claiming to be cautious and protective of her privacy she really just dropped the ball with him and gave him almost total access to her online presence, business, home, etc very soon after meeting him while learning very little about him.
The emergence of the anti-women male forums wasn't something I expected, and I found this an interesting inclusion, but I do feel like both 'Bryce' and Owen ended up both being super extreme and two-dimensional in a way that felt hard to believe. The ending felt rushed, so even Min's disbelief and struggle to reconcile the man she thought she knew with the killer he was revealed to be didn't feel authentic and lacked emotional impact for me.
Overall I'm glad I pushed through as I found some of the themes interesting, but this novel lacked in execution for me and I didn't find it the most engaging
April 20, 2023
Reagan Carson lives a quiet life. Entirely offline, she has zero internet presence, no social media, no photos. All because of something that happened a long time ago, that still has Reagan looking over her shoulder.
So when a spate of horrific murders occur in Sydney, paying homage to the infamous unresolved Black Dahlia murder of 1947, Reagan starts to feel afraid. As each victim looks uncannily like Reagan.
Is her past catching up with her?
This really was a book of two halves. I was happily turning the pages relatively calmly, then WHAM! All of a sudden everything spun round and went utterly flaming crazy! Which I LOVED! The first part is very much of a slow burn, learning about Reagen, her florist shop, her friends and family. But then once everything spins round we can see a lot more to her character and what she’s really capable of.
It’s a disturbing and tense read. The dark web is a horrifying place and Dark Mode encapsulates its sordid, misogynistic toxicity pretty damn perfectly. It shows where the real decay hides in society which is quite frankly, terrifying to think about it.
Clever, chilling, thrilling! Recommended!
So when a spate of horrific murders occur in Sydney, paying homage to the infamous unresolved Black Dahlia murder of 1947, Reagan starts to feel afraid. As each victim looks uncannily like Reagan.
Is her past catching up with her?
This really was a book of two halves. I was happily turning the pages relatively calmly, then WHAM! All of a sudden everything spun round and went utterly flaming crazy! Which I LOVED! The first part is very much of a slow burn, learning about Reagen, her florist shop, her friends and family. But then once everything spins round we can see a lot more to her character and what she’s really capable of.
It’s a disturbing and tense read. The dark web is a horrifying place and Dark Mode encapsulates its sordid, misogynistic toxicity pretty damn perfectly. It shows where the real decay hides in society which is quite frankly, terrifying to think about it.
Clever, chilling, thrilling! Recommended!
February 13, 2023
I loved this book so much - everyone needs to read it!
March 31, 2023
⭐️5 Stars⭐️
Oh Wow… absolutely jaw dropping, Dark Mode by Ashley Kalagian Blunt has just become one of my favourite ever thrillers! It blew my mind and gave me goosebumps, perfection!
How stunning is the cover and it’s perfectly suited to the storyline. The plot has a connection to a historical cold case know as The Black Dahlia.
Dark Mode is a psychological thriller, it has a dark gothic vibe and reflects on the insidious dangers of an internet presence. Fascinating botanic elements are woven into the storyline which I adored.
Reagan Carson has stayed offline, no social media, no smart phone, no digital photos… Whilst jogging early one morning she stumbles across a corpse brutally mutilated and the victim looks just like her!
I am not going to give anything more away, you need to read this brilliant book, its beautifully written and an easy read, I flew through it. It’s terrifying, compulsive, creepy and conveys a powerful message. I can’t to see what’s next!
Publication Date 01 March 2023
Publisher Ultimo Press
Thank you so much to Ultimo Press for my copy of the book.
Oh Wow… absolutely jaw dropping, Dark Mode by Ashley Kalagian Blunt has just become one of my favourite ever thrillers! It blew my mind and gave me goosebumps, perfection!
How stunning is the cover and it’s perfectly suited to the storyline. The plot has a connection to a historical cold case know as The Black Dahlia.
Dark Mode is a psychological thriller, it has a dark gothic vibe and reflects on the insidious dangers of an internet presence. Fascinating botanic elements are woven into the storyline which I adored.
Reagan Carson has stayed offline, no social media, no smart phone, no digital photos… Whilst jogging early one morning she stumbles across a corpse brutally mutilated and the victim looks just like her!
I am not going to give anything more away, you need to read this brilliant book, its beautifully written and an easy read, I flew through it. It’s terrifying, compulsive, creepy and conveys a powerful message. I can’t to see what’s next!
Publication Date 01 March 2023
Publisher Ultimo Press
Thank you so much to Ultimo Press for my copy of the book.
February 19, 2023
Scariest thriller I have ever read. Right from the first scene this is a petrifying novel. I was so scared for Reagan. The novel crime connection with a historic cold case made it just so creepy! No spoilers from me so I’ll leave it there, but omg if you want to sleep don’t read it at night time…Now that I’ve finished though it’s petrifying on a whole other level; as a human being there is a lot here that gives me more than a fun scare. Definitely one everyone should read
March 17, 2023
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
Thriller and true crime fan Ashley Kalagian Blunt spent many hours in the company of her podcasts, television series and books after being diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome in 2017. This experience and time gave Blunt the confidence to pen her first psychological crime novel. Dark Mode is an instinctive, terrifying, intrinsic and compulsive thriller. A story that commands our attention and makes us think twice or even three times about our interactions in the digital world, Dark Mode is an astounding read.
Questions of observation and mania fill the pages of Dark Mode. Reagan Carsen is a woman who lives under the radar. A low profile and a lack of engagement in the social world has ensured that Reagan keeps herself safe from harm in this dangerous sphere. But Reagan’s life takes a dark turn when has a close encounter with murder victim in Sydney. This grim discovery is even more terrifying for Reagan because the dead woman closely resembles her. Then more murders occur in the city, which forces Reagan to face up to some hard truths. Reagan knows it is only a matter of time before she is found. Will this extremely private woman be exposed?
I honestly wasn’t quite sure what to expect with Dark Mode. The cover is just stunning, I got a gothic, dark noir mashed with technology gone wrong feel from the presentation of this one. After I perused the blurb a little more closely, I decided that Kalagian Blunt’s first psychological fiction offering was definitely my cup of tea. The opening is a killer, literally! I was soon engulfed by the unfolding events in Dark Mode, they were topical, current and terrifyingly real.
Inspired by the world-famous Black Dahlia murder case, which occurred some seven decades ago, Dark Mode is a chilling modern fiction tale that draws on this unsolved true crime. I have watched a couple of screen adaptions of this case and I have to say I am still completely fascinated by this heinous crime. Kalagian Blunt has cleverly intertwined this tragic murder case into her contemporary crime novel with great success. I found Dark Mode to be refreshing, shocking, surprising, exciting and deeply chilling all the same. The narrative is carefully considered, well written and dynamic. Readers will flock to the main character and the audience will easily develop a sense of protection for Kalagian Blunt’s lead. With themes of online security, social world interactions, personal safety, privacy, misogyny, power and authority running through Dark Mode, this is a thought-provoking novel. A close examination into the rising subculture of incels in the online world makes us look very closely at our interactions in society at present. Visceral, twisty, hard hitting and alarming, I would recommend you tread lightly with this one. The murders will induce plenty of fear and shock value, but it is Reagan’s back story that holds the greatest impact. Thank you for drawing our attention to Reagan’s plight Ashley Kalagian Blunt, it is so important for our social world awareness and personal rights in our heavily focussed technological world.
A leading-edge thriller with a powerful and disturbing take away message, Dark Mode is a story you cannot ignore.
*Thanks is extended to Ultimo Press for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.
Thriller and true crime fan Ashley Kalagian Blunt spent many hours in the company of her podcasts, television series and books after being diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome in 2017. This experience and time gave Blunt the confidence to pen her first psychological crime novel. Dark Mode is an instinctive, terrifying, intrinsic and compulsive thriller. A story that commands our attention and makes us think twice or even three times about our interactions in the digital world, Dark Mode is an astounding read.
Questions of observation and mania fill the pages of Dark Mode. Reagan Carsen is a woman who lives under the radar. A low profile and a lack of engagement in the social world has ensured that Reagan keeps herself safe from harm in this dangerous sphere. But Reagan’s life takes a dark turn when has a close encounter with murder victim in Sydney. This grim discovery is even more terrifying for Reagan because the dead woman closely resembles her. Then more murders occur in the city, which forces Reagan to face up to some hard truths. Reagan knows it is only a matter of time before she is found. Will this extremely private woman be exposed?
I honestly wasn’t quite sure what to expect with Dark Mode. The cover is just stunning, I got a gothic, dark noir mashed with technology gone wrong feel from the presentation of this one. After I perused the blurb a little more closely, I decided that Kalagian Blunt’s first psychological fiction offering was definitely my cup of tea. The opening is a killer, literally! I was soon engulfed by the unfolding events in Dark Mode, they were topical, current and terrifyingly real.
Inspired by the world-famous Black Dahlia murder case, which occurred some seven decades ago, Dark Mode is a chilling modern fiction tale that draws on this unsolved true crime. I have watched a couple of screen adaptions of this case and I have to say I am still completely fascinated by this heinous crime. Kalagian Blunt has cleverly intertwined this tragic murder case into her contemporary crime novel with great success. I found Dark Mode to be refreshing, shocking, surprising, exciting and deeply chilling all the same. The narrative is carefully considered, well written and dynamic. Readers will flock to the main character and the audience will easily develop a sense of protection for Kalagian Blunt’s lead. With themes of online security, social world interactions, personal safety, privacy, misogyny, power and authority running through Dark Mode, this is a thought-provoking novel. A close examination into the rising subculture of incels in the online world makes us look very closely at our interactions in society at present. Visceral, twisty, hard hitting and alarming, I would recommend you tread lightly with this one. The murders will induce plenty of fear and shock value, but it is Reagan’s back story that holds the greatest impact. Thank you for drawing our attention to Reagan’s plight Ashley Kalagian Blunt, it is so important for our social world awareness and personal rights in our heavily focussed technological world.
A leading-edge thriller with a powerful and disturbing take away message, Dark Mode is a story you cannot ignore.
*Thanks is extended to Ultimo Press for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.
October 2, 2023
*www.onewomansbbr.wordpress.com
*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
Dark Mode by Ashley Kalagian Blunt. (2023).
For years, Reagan has kept her life offline - no socials, no internet presence, no photos: safe. Until the day she stumbles on a shocking murder in a Sydney laneway and the victim looks just like her. As more murders shake the city and she's increasingly drawn out from hiding, Reagan is forced to confront her greatest fear - she's been found.
This was a great thriller read. Set in 2017, the main character Reagan doesn't even use a smartphone, let alone use social media etc. The reasons behind this are slowly revealed, interwoven between the present timeline for Reagan where murder victims resemble her. The storyline shines a light on the realities of the deep dark Web, where some twisted people like to converse - the forum excerpts in the story are certainly disturbing to read. The author also cleverly includes links to the true crime case of the 'Black Dahlia' which adds to the intrigue of the plot.
Overall: I highly recommend this well-written thriller; expect to want to throw away your phone and internet by the end.
*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
Dark Mode by Ashley Kalagian Blunt. (2023).
For years, Reagan has kept her life offline - no socials, no internet presence, no photos: safe. Until the day she stumbles on a shocking murder in a Sydney laneway and the victim looks just like her. As more murders shake the city and she's increasingly drawn out from hiding, Reagan is forced to confront her greatest fear - she's been found.
This was a great thriller read. Set in 2017, the main character Reagan doesn't even use a smartphone, let alone use social media etc. The reasons behind this are slowly revealed, interwoven between the present timeline for Reagan where murder victims resemble her. The storyline shines a light on the realities of the deep dark Web, where some twisted people like to converse - the forum excerpts in the story are certainly disturbing to read. The author also cleverly includes links to the true crime case of the 'Black Dahlia' which adds to the intrigue of the plot.
Overall: I highly recommend this well-written thriller; expect to want to throw away your phone and internet by the end.
October 7, 2023
First of all, I must make mention to the staking cover for this book and as for the book itself it was a fantastic read. A psychological thriller with twists and turns that are cleverly written into the plot that has the reader engaged in the story. I thoroughly enjoyed this one and if you enjoy reading psychological thrillers then I recommend you read you grab a copy of this book.
With thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for my digital copy to read and review.
With thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for my digital copy to read and review.
April 2, 2023
Great set up, but the execution was missing that oomph for me and I am low key disappointed.
March 23, 2023
We meet Regan Carsen owner of Voodoo Lily Garden Centre and someone who has no smart phone or online presence. During a morning run she comes across a body that seems to look a lot like herself. That’s when the story really takes off at a fast pace.
Dark Mode had me putting the book aside at 50% while I gathered myself together. Not because it was a gory read. I don’t have any issues reading that genre. No it was because this can and does happen. It made me feel all the feels. I was uncomfortable and confronted and it made you think of your own online presence. The research the author did surrounding social media and online presence is amazing.
While this book has a great thrilling story it’s what you take away from this book that is powerful. It’s a conversation starter and I was lucky enough to read and discuss with @vampchicandherbooks. I can see this book being a great book club read.
A must read for everyone! And I keep on saying it but we really do have so many wonderful Australian authors!!
Thank you to @netgalley and @ultimopress for the eARC
Dark Mode had me putting the book aside at 50% while I gathered myself together. Not because it was a gory read. I don’t have any issues reading that genre. No it was because this can and does happen. It made me feel all the feels. I was uncomfortable and confronted and it made you think of your own online presence. The research the author did surrounding social media and online presence is amazing.
While this book has a great thrilling story it’s what you take away from this book that is powerful. It’s a conversation starter and I was lucky enough to read and discuss with @vampchicandherbooks. I can see this book being a great book club read.
A must read for everyone! And I keep on saying it but we really do have so many wonderful Australian authors!!
Thank you to @netgalley and @ultimopress for the eARC
June 29, 2025
Nothing like thinking you've settled in with a nice, murder-filled, bit of crime fiction...only to have it turn out to be the insane kind of masturbatory fantasy that Anita Sarkeesian would get off to.
Where do I start? Well, it kicked off with a kind of regular premise: body found, clichés about it probably being a mannequin foment in our protag's internal monologue, the initial hook being how the victim looked like our MC. Fine, whatever. I'm just here for the gratuitous violence and potentially interesting plot.
Then we get the connection to the Black Dahlia murder of Elizabeth Short. Okay. Author has done her research, delved into the possible connections drawn between surrealist artists and the likely perpetrator George Hodel, probably having read the books written by Hodel's son who ended up becoming a cop himself. I thought she might have read/looked at 'Exquisite Corpse' (Mark Nelson & Sarah Hudson Bayliss) which I've got a copy of myself, but she doesn't include it in the reference section at the end of the book, so I guess not.
Anyway, what seemed to be a story that hinged on one angle, soon became apparent that it was veering off in another direction, only to then completely jump the shark and start creating a bunch of hilariously cringe-inducing messages on a forum on the dum...dum...dum...DARK NET! Ha! The year is 2024 and we're still seeing people refer to TOR as one big cess-pool full of nothing but paedophiles and misogynists, and not just a way for boring-assed normal people to not have to a/ keep worrying that their desire to read the New York Times (just don't...it's pure cancer) will become public knowledge, or b/ go through a paywall to access various scientific studies and journals (and considering the amount of absolute trash that gets published on the back of the peer-review process - which was supposed to act as a form of extremely valid gatekeeping, only to have been completely hijacked by all the retarded radical leftists now inhabiting academia and cosigning one another's bullshit "studies) even that has become a quagmire of nonsense-mongering that you have to actually wade through to get to the stuff worth reading. The irony that most people just want to use TOR to avoid being tracked and/or have their data mined/sold on via clearnet domains, whilst in this story it was the Mega, MAGA, MGTOWs who were being all sinister and stalking people via the Onion router, was not lost on me. JFC.
Because it turns out that everything is the work of online misogynists. Why wouldn't it be? What bigger bogeyman is there out there, to cause fuckwitted femoids to lose their collective shit and seek out their local Wiccan priestess to cast some sort of protection spell over them, in current fucking era?
The dude who delivers your potted plants? Oh he's always salivating away at your smoking hot rack.
The guy who comes in every day to look at the same plants? Super creepy. (And let's not bother bringing that dead end to any useful conclusion. Because why should you feel as though 400 pages of reading entitles you to know anything more than the misandrist claptrap that the author really needs you to get on board with.)
Your mum's new husband tries to do a nice thing for you because your life has basically gone to shit, so he's probably just a sleaze-ball or a homicidal maniac. Because like...um...duh...men! Amirite?
Yeah, naw. Miss me with that weird man-hating garbage. And if you're going to want to imbue your story with even a shred of believability, it's probably not a good idea to use Laura - psycho hosebeast - Bates (aka the founder of the 'Everyday Sexism Project') as your portal into anything approaching reality. That whacko bint has been grifting off of how hard it is to just be a woman for over a decade now, and someone really needs to get in touch with Roosh V pronto, because Bates is out there, earning money, and the patriarchy have yet to step in and stop her! How? I have no idea.
But hey, don't let something as ridiculous as a handful of handles that are only a sidestep away from having been created to say something like: '@A_Certain_Austrian_Painter_Did_Nothing_Wrong_1488'. I wish I were kidding. Are there ridiculous edgy-boi usernames all over the internet? Course there are. Are most of them ironic, and the rest of the moronic? Why yes, they are. Has Ashley Kalagian-Blunt bought into the notion that almost all men - especially all men online - are completely psychopathic misogynists? It bloody well feels like it.
The cranking up towards the ending signals who really did it, by doing what all amateur thriller writers think is the smartest way to throw a reader off the scent: only briefly mentioning the perpetrator in passing a couple of times, never drawing any extra attention to them and hoping that this is the reader's first rodeo and they won't notice the glaring omission of anything other than the merest hint at banality.
By the end of the book the protag (can't even remember her bloody name and I've literally just read the entire book in one sitting, lol) has:
1/ been stalked as a teenager after lying about her age and going all 'Surprised Pikachu' face when it turns out the dude she was lying to, was also lying to her about his age too.
2/ For some reason just let this guy stalk her for years, because despite having plenty of evidence to show that he was doing this, all she really did was spaz out and not really give the police much to go on.
3/ Somehow despite Googling her stalker's name every day for years had never found out that he had died - even though the stalking stopped and it would have only taken a quick check at the births/marriages/deaths lists anyone can find online.
4/ Come across a dead body and not called the police because that would somehow, for some reason, be more suspicious than her fleeing the scene of a crime and having a "tip-off" phone-call she made to the police end up being traced to her anyway.
5/ Turned up to multiple other body-dumps of subsequent murders with her friend who happens to be a true-crime nut, who has a contact within the police force, again not bothering to go see said police contact with her friend because that would probably have cut out half of the remainder of the book.
6/ Become the target of an online dark web (BOO! Scary!) forum of comically OTT women-haters who get her swatted/have her bank accounts frozen/put hidden cameras in her home/post deepfake revenge-porn of her online and send it to everyone on her business mailing list.
We're supposed to believe that this chick is terrified of her own shadow, yet she gets up the balls to break into someone's apartment and steal some laptops that show all of the misogynist forum crap, which she is then able to get access to because her friend is like, super connected to white-hat hackers, or some dumb shit. But the funniest part about this is the fact that she's seen breaking into this apartment, but the people who see her do it are women, and when she just tells them that she's trying to find some leverage to use on a guy who ghosted her after creating revenge-porn of her, they just go "Oh right, cool story babe, carry on breaking and entering." BECAUSE REMEMBER IT'S JUST A REALLY AWFUL WORLD OUT THERE FOR WOMEN TO EXIST IN, AND ALL Y'ALL SISTERS HAVE GOTTA HAVE EACH OTHERS' BACKS. Fr. Fr.
Good to know that women have no common sense and will allow any other woman to commit high crimes and misdemeanours as long as you explain it away as being something, something, gotta get back at those pesky mens, because...reasons.
This is not the power move you think it is, Ashley.
Of course the ending has the ubiquitous, unbelievable scene in which a man who has knocked our little woman out and strapped her to a mortuary table, is of course magically overpowered by said woman, who goes on to save her own life and that of her friend too. Because girl-power.
Turns out that the super-smart chick who was really dialled into the crime scene, wasn't able to see what was going on under her nose the entire time. But hey, that's cool because now this couple of broads can decide to renounce men forever, become immediate U-Haul lesbians, move in together and aside from the boy-child (who will have to be systematically deprogrammed, overly medicated on ADHD drugs, or trooned out entirely to stop him from becoming another evil misogynist) can just live the rest of their lives with their cycles synched up and the Korean grandmother being a round-the-clock babysitter, so the children don't end up cramping their style.
Two stars awarded for the Black Dahlia research, but other than that, this was a 400 page load of batshit insane nonsense, for which I will never get back the time spent willing myself all the way to the end.
Women: can't live with them, can't just put a bullet in all of their heads, because then who would be left to make the goddamn sandwiches?
Where do I start? Well, it kicked off with a kind of regular premise: body found, clichés about it probably being a mannequin foment in our protag's internal monologue, the initial hook being how the victim looked like our MC. Fine, whatever. I'm just here for the gratuitous violence and potentially interesting plot.
Then we get the connection to the Black Dahlia murder of Elizabeth Short. Okay. Author has done her research, delved into the possible connections drawn between surrealist artists and the likely perpetrator George Hodel, probably having read the books written by Hodel's son who ended up becoming a cop himself. I thought she might have read/looked at 'Exquisite Corpse' (Mark Nelson & Sarah Hudson Bayliss) which I've got a copy of myself, but she doesn't include it in the reference section at the end of the book, so I guess not.
Anyway, what seemed to be a story that hinged on one angle, soon became apparent that it was veering off in another direction, only to then completely jump the shark and start creating a bunch of hilariously cringe-inducing messages on a forum on the dum...dum...dum...DARK NET! Ha! The year is 2024 and we're still seeing people refer to TOR as one big cess-pool full of nothing but paedophiles and misogynists, and not just a way for boring-assed normal people to not have to a/ keep worrying that their desire to read the New York Times (just don't...it's pure cancer) will become public knowledge, or b/ go through a paywall to access various scientific studies and journals (and considering the amount of absolute trash that gets published on the back of the peer-review process - which was supposed to act as a form of extremely valid gatekeeping, only to have been completely hijacked by all the retarded radical leftists now inhabiting academia and cosigning one another's bullshit "studies) even that has become a quagmire of nonsense-mongering that you have to actually wade through to get to the stuff worth reading. The irony that most people just want to use TOR to avoid being tracked and/or have their data mined/sold on via clearnet domains, whilst in this story it was the Mega, MAGA, MGTOWs who were being all sinister and stalking people via the Onion router, was not lost on me. JFC.
Because it turns out that everything is the work of online misogynists. Why wouldn't it be? What bigger bogeyman is there out there, to cause fuckwitted femoids to lose their collective shit and seek out their local Wiccan priestess to cast some sort of protection spell over them, in current fucking era?
The dude who delivers your potted plants? Oh he's always salivating away at your smoking hot rack.
The guy who comes in every day to look at the same plants? Super creepy. (And let's not bother bringing that dead end to any useful conclusion. Because why should you feel as though 400 pages of reading entitles you to know anything more than the misandrist claptrap that the author really needs you to get on board with.)
Your mum's new husband tries to do a nice thing for you because your life has basically gone to shit, so he's probably just a sleaze-ball or a homicidal maniac. Because like...um...duh...men! Amirite?
Yeah, naw. Miss me with that weird man-hating garbage. And if you're going to want to imbue your story with even a shred of believability, it's probably not a good idea to use Laura - psycho hosebeast - Bates (aka the founder of the 'Everyday Sexism Project') as your portal into anything approaching reality. That whacko bint has been grifting off of how hard it is to just be a woman for over a decade now, and someone really needs to get in touch with Roosh V pronto, because Bates is out there, earning money, and the patriarchy have yet to step in and stop her! How? I have no idea.
But hey, don't let something as ridiculous as a handful of handles that are only a sidestep away from having been created to say something like: '@A_Certain_Austrian_Painter_Did_Nothing_Wrong_1488'. I wish I were kidding. Are there ridiculous edgy-boi usernames all over the internet? Course there are. Are most of them ironic, and the rest of the moronic? Why yes, they are. Has Ashley Kalagian-Blunt bought into the notion that almost all men - especially all men online - are completely psychopathic misogynists? It bloody well feels like it.
The cranking up towards the ending signals who really did it, by doing what all amateur thriller writers think is the smartest way to throw a reader off the scent: only briefly mentioning the perpetrator in passing a couple of times, never drawing any extra attention to them and hoping that this is the reader's first rodeo and they won't notice the glaring omission of anything other than the merest hint at banality.
By the end of the book the protag (can't even remember her bloody name and I've literally just read the entire book in one sitting, lol) has:
1/ been stalked as a teenager after lying about her age and going all 'Surprised Pikachu' face when it turns out the dude she was lying to, was also lying to her about his age too.
2/ For some reason just let this guy stalk her for years, because despite having plenty of evidence to show that he was doing this, all she really did was spaz out and not really give the police much to go on.
3/ Somehow despite Googling her stalker's name every day for years had never found out that he had died - even though the stalking stopped and it would have only taken a quick check at the births/marriages/deaths lists anyone can find online.
4/ Come across a dead body and not called the police because that would somehow, for some reason, be more suspicious than her fleeing the scene of a crime and having a "tip-off" phone-call she made to the police end up being traced to her anyway.
5/ Turned up to multiple other body-dumps of subsequent murders with her friend who happens to be a true-crime nut, who has a contact within the police force, again not bothering to go see said police contact with her friend because that would probably have cut out half of the remainder of the book.
6/ Become the target of an online dark web (BOO! Scary!) forum of comically OTT women-haters who get her swatted/have her bank accounts frozen/put hidden cameras in her home/post deepfake revenge-porn of her online and send it to everyone on her business mailing list.
We're supposed to believe that this chick is terrified of her own shadow, yet she gets up the balls to break into someone's apartment and steal some laptops that show all of the misogynist forum crap, which she is then able to get access to because her friend is like, super connected to white-hat hackers, or some dumb shit. But the funniest part about this is the fact that she's seen breaking into this apartment, but the people who see her do it are women, and when she just tells them that she's trying to find some leverage to use on a guy who ghosted her after creating revenge-porn of her, they just go "Oh right, cool story babe, carry on breaking and entering." BECAUSE REMEMBER IT'S JUST A REALLY AWFUL WORLD OUT THERE FOR WOMEN TO EXIST IN, AND ALL Y'ALL SISTERS HAVE GOTTA HAVE EACH OTHERS' BACKS. Fr. Fr.
Good to know that women have no common sense and will allow any other woman to commit high crimes and misdemeanours as long as you explain it away as being something, something, gotta get back at those pesky mens, because...reasons.
This is not the power move you think it is, Ashley.
Of course the ending has the ubiquitous, unbelievable scene in which a man who has knocked our little woman out and strapped her to a mortuary table, is of course magically overpowered by said woman, who goes on to save her own life and that of her friend too. Because girl-power.
Turns out that the super-smart chick who was really dialled into the crime scene, wasn't able to see what was going on under her nose the entire time. But hey, that's cool because now this couple of broads can decide to renounce men forever, become immediate U-Haul lesbians, move in together and aside from the boy-child (who will have to be systematically deprogrammed, overly medicated on ADHD drugs, or trooned out entirely to stop him from becoming another evil misogynist) can just live the rest of their lives with their cycles synched up and the Korean grandmother being a round-the-clock babysitter, so the children don't end up cramping their style.
Two stars awarded for the Black Dahlia research, but other than that, this was a 400 page load of batshit insane nonsense, for which I will never get back the time spent willing myself all the way to the end.
Women: can't live with them, can't just put a bullet in all of their heads, because then who would be left to make the goddamn sandwiches?
February 15, 2023
When I got to the end of this book, I realised that this is the first time I have really felt quite unsettled, maybe even scared, definitely creeped out, when reading a crime thriller. One of the reasons I think this is because I don't read them that often, but when I do they are usually from the PoV of, or follow, a detective on a case, rather than from a potential victim. This one was also scary though, because while the initial crime may seem a bit excessive and therefore removed from our own regular lives, the rest of what goes on in this novel is completely believable and so creepy. The misogyny in MRA groups on the dark web. Gaslighting. Corruption in law enforcement. Victim blaming. Lack of privacy in a digital world. Stalking. It was all there and, I think we can all agree, these things are not fiction for many people.
I might have been a little scared while reading this, but it was also A D D I C T I V E. I read it in two days, 100 pages at a time, over 4 x of my baby's naps. I pretty much didn't want to put it down. It was deeply compelling.
Just a little side note that I needed to include in this review. More than once, I made a connection between this book and the Swedish/Danish show The Bridge, which I totally loved back in the day, so if you're a fan of that you might also be a fan of this one.
I have a few thoughts about the ending and the foreshadowing and the clues and the twists etc but this review is not the place to discuss them. However, if you're book club is looking for a read, I reckon you'd have a lot to talk about!
Furthermore, if you're a google-er when you're reading, you'll probably find yourself down some Black Dahlia rabbit holes, or maybe some horticultural ones!? And if you're a fan of books-set-in-Sydney, even though I've not spent heaps of time there, it felt like it had enough detail to create a strong sense of place and would even more so if you're a local.
Basically, if you're a crime novel fan, or you feel like a timely, relevant, edge-of-your-seat page-turner, then I would definitely recommend this! @ultimopress gifted me this for a honest review but you can get yourself copy on the 1st of March!
I might have been a little scared while reading this, but it was also A D D I C T I V E. I read it in two days, 100 pages at a time, over 4 x of my baby's naps. I pretty much didn't want to put it down. It was deeply compelling.
Just a little side note that I needed to include in this review. More than once, I made a connection between this book and the Swedish/Danish show The Bridge, which I totally loved back in the day, so if you're a fan of that you might also be a fan of this one.
I have a few thoughts about the ending and the foreshadowing and the clues and the twists etc but this review is not the place to discuss them. However, if you're book club is looking for a read, I reckon you'd have a lot to talk about!
Furthermore, if you're a google-er when you're reading, you'll probably find yourself down some Black Dahlia rabbit holes, or maybe some horticultural ones!? And if you're a fan of books-set-in-Sydney, even though I've not spent heaps of time there, it felt like it had enough detail to create a strong sense of place and would even more so if you're a local.
Basically, if you're a crime novel fan, or you feel like a timely, relevant, edge-of-your-seat page-turner, then I would definitely recommend this! @ultimopress gifted me this for a honest review but you can get yourself copy on the 1st of March!
March 4, 2023
We meet Reagan as she comes across a body. Of someone who looks just like her. Instead of reporting it she runs and we get some insight into Reagan's restricted existence - living her life in analogue and refraining from any online or public presence at all.
It takes us a while to get the full story from Reagan and learn about the stalker who appeared in her life when she was only 15.
Reagan's certainly a likeable character and we're drawn into her world. There's an awareness about her so she's conscious she could be allowing her fears to taint her thoughts, so doesn't come across as unstable or paranoid. Rather, there's a sense of menace or trepidation that has her on edge and suspicious of those around her. And Kalagian Blunt does an excellent job at keeping readers' spidey senses tingling as well.
Although the murders are at the heart of this story, (for me) they weren't the most shocking, impactful or powerful part of this exceptional book. Sure they're horrific, deeply deeply personal and rooted in hatred, but we're also introduced to a different kind of evil - that in some ways is personal but at the same time not personal at all. Depersonalising if you like and it's almost worse that human beings can carry such a sense of privilege and a disregard for others. If I could stretch my mind back to my undergraduate psychology days I'd be pondering the psychopath vs sociopath persona.
Kalagian Blunt has taken inspiration from real life events here, but dragged them into our world. There are lessons to be learned about lives lived online and what we share with who(m), but at the same time we remember Reagan tried to stay off the grid and was targetted nonetheless. It's a reminder that bad and evil exists and though we can try not to offer more mediums or opportunities for them to play out, we'll never be fully safe.
4.5 stars
Read my review here: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...
It takes us a while to get the full story from Reagan and learn about the stalker who appeared in her life when she was only 15.
Reagan's certainly a likeable character and we're drawn into her world. There's an awareness about her so she's conscious she could be allowing her fears to taint her thoughts, so doesn't come across as unstable or paranoid. Rather, there's a sense of menace or trepidation that has her on edge and suspicious of those around her. And Kalagian Blunt does an excellent job at keeping readers' spidey senses tingling as well.
Although the murders are at the heart of this story, (for me) they weren't the most shocking, impactful or powerful part of this exceptional book. Sure they're horrific, deeply deeply personal and rooted in hatred, but we're also introduced to a different kind of evil - that in some ways is personal but at the same time not personal at all. Depersonalising if you like and it's almost worse that human beings can carry such a sense of privilege and a disregard for others. If I could stretch my mind back to my undergraduate psychology days I'd be pondering the psychopath vs sociopath persona.
Kalagian Blunt has taken inspiration from real life events here, but dragged them into our world. There are lessons to be learned about lives lived online and what we share with who(m), but at the same time we remember Reagan tried to stay off the grid and was targetted nonetheless. It's a reminder that bad and evil exists and though we can try not to offer more mediums or opportunities for them to play out, we'll never be fully safe.
4.5 stars
Read my review here: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...
March 26, 2023
Thank you Ultimo Press for sending us a copy to read and review.
A psychological thriller inspired by the true crime Black Dahlia murder case which happened in the 1940’s.
Ashley’s clever, dark and mysterious tale is one that you will find hard to put down.
Reagan Carsen has had good reason to keep her life off the internet.
Including no social media and no pictures, almost to the point of non existence.
Until the morning she comes across a body in an alleyway.
Looking at the victim, Reagan sees someone that looks exactly like her, then she flees.
More murders begin to happen and now her greatest fear has been attacked.
Her privacy has just been invaded……
Dark Mode is an intoxicating ensemble of modern noir fiction.
It takes the reader into the disturbing world of the dark web where you cannot hide and nothing is off limits.
The opening chapter sets the scene for a story that will grip, intrigue, fascinate, intensify and heighten all your senses.
Consuming, daring, tension filled and addictive with excellent plot twists.
This book, for fans of the genre will simple be excited to devour.
I did have an inkling about certain things and part of my conclusions was right.
A powerful, strong read with a great premise, put this one on your list!
A psychological thriller inspired by the true crime Black Dahlia murder case which happened in the 1940’s.
Ashley’s clever, dark and mysterious tale is one that you will find hard to put down.
Reagan Carsen has had good reason to keep her life off the internet.
Including no social media and no pictures, almost to the point of non existence.
Until the morning she comes across a body in an alleyway.
Looking at the victim, Reagan sees someone that looks exactly like her, then she flees.
More murders begin to happen and now her greatest fear has been attacked.
Her privacy has just been invaded……
Dark Mode is an intoxicating ensemble of modern noir fiction.
It takes the reader into the disturbing world of the dark web where you cannot hide and nothing is off limits.
The opening chapter sets the scene for a story that will grip, intrigue, fascinate, intensify and heighten all your senses.
Consuming, daring, tension filled and addictive with excellent plot twists.
This book, for fans of the genre will simple be excited to devour.
I did have an inkling about certain things and part of my conclusions was right.
A powerful, strong read with a great premise, put this one on your list!
February 20, 2023
Thanks to Better Reading and Ultimo Press for my copy to read and review.
I was gripped by this book right away and it had me guessing right until the very end. It contained twists and turns throughout that words can't even describe.
Reagan Carsen doesn't even own a smartphone and has no online presence to try to keep herself safe but even this isn't enough. With the secrets of the dark web no one is safe.
I loved this book, it was written very well and I would recommend it to anyone who loves a really good thriller.
I will be waiting to read the next thriller Ashley Kalagian Blunt writes.
I was gripped by this book right away and it had me guessing right until the very end. It contained twists and turns throughout that words can't even describe.
Reagan Carsen doesn't even own a smartphone and has no online presence to try to keep herself safe but even this isn't enough. With the secrets of the dark web no one is safe.
I loved this book, it was written very well and I would recommend it to anyone who loves a really good thriller.
I will be waiting to read the next thriller Ashley Kalagian Blunt writes.
August 29, 2023
If I had a dollar for every novel I read in the past month about flower shop owners who enter whirlwind romances and are plagued by abusive men I'd have two dollars, but it's weird that it happened twice
A creepy drama-thriller whose greatest asset is the exploration of modern cyber-harassment and the accessibility of information online. However, some of the writing was stodgy, the characters were a little 2D, and some things feel a bit contrived or too over-the-top. The ending also lacks closure
A creepy drama-thriller whose greatest asset is the exploration of modern cyber-harassment and the accessibility of information online. However, some of the writing was stodgy, the characters were a little 2D, and some things feel a bit contrived or too over-the-top. The ending also lacks closure
May 9, 2023
I think I hyped myself up too hard for this one, and ended up a little disappointed...
It wasn't as creepy as I expected. Although it obviously made you realise how much we put online and how accessible it is, this book didn't give me the heebie-jeebies like it did other people.
The ending was too far fetched to my liking. It was unexpected but not in a good way.
It had some great ideas but just didn't hit the mark for me.
I'd love to read another book by this author.
It wasn't as creepy as I expected. Although it obviously made you realise how much we put online and how accessible it is, this book didn't give me the heebie-jeebies like it did other people.
The ending was too far fetched to my liking. It was unexpected but not in a good way.
It had some great ideas but just didn't hit the mark for me.
I'd love to read another book by this author.
March 27, 2023
* 4.5 stars rounded up for Goodreads *
For years, Reagan Carsen has kept her life offline. No socials. No internet presence. No photos. Safe. Until the day she stumbles on a shocking murder in a Sydney laneway. The victim looks just like her. Coincidence? As more murders shake the city and she’s increasingly drawn out from hiding, Reagan is forced to confront her greatest fear. She’s been found. A riveting psychological thriller drawn from true events, Dark Mode delves into the terrifying reality of the dark web, and the price we pay for surrendering our privacy one click at a time.
Ooof, this is good! I’m not sure what I was expecting as I’m absolutely clueless about the dark web, and technology in general. Usually happy to be living in a bubble of ignorant bliss, this book is one of the reasons why. It rings true, to crime today, it’s chillingly terrifying.
Echoing the 1947 famous Black Dahlia murder in Los Angeles, Dark Mode is set in Sydney, Australia. Fast forward to today and with the ease of web, darkness looms close. A group of misogynist men labeled "incels” use the web as a their platform to target women and spew their misplaced hatred.
Dark Mode is a chilling, well considered fictional story. It’s not a book you want to read late at night without double checking everything is locked. It’s a tale about what’s often hidden in plain site and our time spent in this digital age. A disturbing, powerful, brilliantly written psychological thriller by another wonderful Australian voice.
For years, Reagan Carsen has kept her life offline. No socials. No internet presence. No photos. Safe. Until the day she stumbles on a shocking murder in a Sydney laneway. The victim looks just like her. Coincidence? As more murders shake the city and she’s increasingly drawn out from hiding, Reagan is forced to confront her greatest fear. She’s been found. A riveting psychological thriller drawn from true events, Dark Mode delves into the terrifying reality of the dark web, and the price we pay for surrendering our privacy one click at a time.
Ooof, this is good! I’m not sure what I was expecting as I’m absolutely clueless about the dark web, and technology in general. Usually happy to be living in a bubble of ignorant bliss, this book is one of the reasons why. It rings true, to crime today, it’s chillingly terrifying.
Echoing the 1947 famous Black Dahlia murder in Los Angeles, Dark Mode is set in Sydney, Australia. Fast forward to today and with the ease of web, darkness looms close. A group of misogynist men labeled "incels” use the web as a their platform to target women and spew their misplaced hatred.
Dark Mode is a chilling, well considered fictional story. It’s not a book you want to read late at night without double checking everything is locked. It’s a tale about what’s often hidden in plain site and our time spent in this digital age. A disturbing, powerful, brilliantly written psychological thriller by another wonderful Australian voice.
April 26, 2023
Terrifying. Explosive. Dark. Chilling. My kind of book and I loved it!
Reagan Carsen has lived off the grid for years. No social media and no internet presence. No way she can be found. Then one day, she stumbles across a dead body in an alleyway. The woman looks just like her. As more murders unfold, the victims all bear a striking resemblance. And the terror begins.
The action starts in this one from the very first page and it retains a cracking pace throughout. I read this at night and in hindsight, that was probably a mistake. The fact the novel is based upon true crimes, makes it all the more terrifying. The characters, the twists, the setting (Sydney) and the threads running through this were masterful and it is a story that will stay with me for some time. Sensational!
Thank you to NetGalley and Ultimo Press for the gifted e-book
Reagan Carsen has lived off the grid for years. No social media and no internet presence. No way she can be found. Then one day, she stumbles across a dead body in an alleyway. The woman looks just like her. As more murders unfold, the victims all bear a striking resemblance. And the terror begins.
The action starts in this one from the very first page and it retains a cracking pace throughout. I read this at night and in hindsight, that was probably a mistake. The fact the novel is based upon true crimes, makes it all the more terrifying. The characters, the twists, the setting (Sydney) and the threads running through this were masterful and it is a story that will stay with me for some time. Sensational!
Thank you to NetGalley and Ultimo Press for the gifted e-book
May 14, 2023
I liked this one, was a slow start. But once it took off it was very enjoyable, the last reveal was a bit disappointing I would have preferred it be the other person this would have been way better
Don’t want to give away any spoilers but once you have read you will know who I mean. The book was setup nicely for this to be the case, still very enjoyable read
Don’t want to give away any spoilers but once you have read you will know who I mean. The book was setup nicely for this to be the case, still very enjoyable read
August 14, 2023
I can honestly say that I’ve never read a more terrifying book than this one. That it is based on elements of true stories is even more horrifying. It’s one of those books that will stay with me for a very long time!
November 9, 2023
Goodness. If I wasnt already aware of the dangers surrounding the internet, I sure would be after reading Dark Mode.
Imagine being so traumatised that you can't even trust the police to help. For Reagan, this is a reality. The only way she feels safe is to physically remove herself from any form of online presence. No internet, photos, smartphone or social media. This way, 'he' can't possibly find her.
For years, Reagan is perfectly content with this unorthodox lifestyle choice.
Then, whilst out on her morning jog, Reagan comes across a murdered woman. Who quite by chance, bears a strong resemblance to herself.
Torn between doing what's expected in this situation or insticts kicking in, Reagan chooses to make it someone else's problem. Because of her unorthodox lifestyle choice, the notion of 'being out of sight, out of mind' is reason enough to stay clear of any developments.
But she can't possibly ignore the second, then third, victims, each one like looking into the mirror. So, she joins the digital age, learning everything she can about the case.
However, it becomes quite clear that this murder spree serves as a warning- especially when the threatening emails start pinging away....
This was one heck of an uncomfortable read. Reagan respresents any woman, regardless of age, class or race, who become prey to sadists all over. You just never know if, or when, you'll become a target, and thats a scary thought in itself.
Because Ashley is a true crime junkie, this was inspired by the real life Black Dahlia case, still unsolved after 76 years. I look forward to learning more about this unglamorous Hollywood tale.
Although it was somewhat predictable, I still wasn't prepared for the chilling outcome. Keep an eye on a select few in Reagan's circle that immediately raise suspicion because they're not exactly whom as they seem.
I guess the takeaway message was always going to be this:
ɴᴇᴠᴇʀ ʙᴇʟɪᴇᴠᴇ ᴀɴʏᴛʜɪɴɢ ʏᴏᴜ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ᴏɴ ᴛʜᴇ ɪɴᴛᴇʀɴᴇᴛ
4.5 🌟
Imagine being so traumatised that you can't even trust the police to help. For Reagan, this is a reality. The only way she feels safe is to physically remove herself from any form of online presence. No internet, photos, smartphone or social media. This way, 'he' can't possibly find her.
For years, Reagan is perfectly content with this unorthodox lifestyle choice.
Then, whilst out on her morning jog, Reagan comes across a murdered woman. Who quite by chance, bears a strong resemblance to herself.
Torn between doing what's expected in this situation or insticts kicking in, Reagan chooses to make it someone else's problem. Because of her unorthodox lifestyle choice, the notion of 'being out of sight, out of mind' is reason enough to stay clear of any developments.
But she can't possibly ignore the second, then third, victims, each one like looking into the mirror. So, she joins the digital age, learning everything she can about the case.
However, it becomes quite clear that this murder spree serves as a warning- especially when the threatening emails start pinging away....
This was one heck of an uncomfortable read. Reagan respresents any woman, regardless of age, class or race, who become prey to sadists all over. You just never know if, or when, you'll become a target, and thats a scary thought in itself.
Because Ashley is a true crime junkie, this was inspired by the real life Black Dahlia case, still unsolved after 76 years. I look forward to learning more about this unglamorous Hollywood tale.
Although it was somewhat predictable, I still wasn't prepared for the chilling outcome. Keep an eye on a select few in Reagan's circle that immediately raise suspicion because they're not exactly whom as they seem.
I guess the takeaway message was always going to be this:
ɴᴇᴠᴇʀ ʙᴇʟɪᴇᴠᴇ ᴀɴʏᴛʜɪɴɢ ʏᴏᴜ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ᴏɴ ᴛʜᴇ ɪɴᴛᴇʀɴᴇᴛ
4.5 🌟
November 26, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
Well if I wasn’t afraid of the internet before, I sure am now.
This was sick and twisted and terrifying. It felt real. I think it felt real because I knew all the places she was describing!! The main character grew up in the same area I did! That’s chilling and ugh shivers.
It was so fast paced I literally could not put it down. This book is gonna stay with me for a long long time.
Once your online people can learn everything about you and you can never get your privacy back. Once it’s out there, it’s out there. I’m terrified to say the least.
And yes I will be recommending this to everyone.
Well if I wasn’t afraid of the internet before, I sure am now.
This was sick and twisted and terrifying. It felt real. I think it felt real because I knew all the places she was describing!! The main character grew up in the same area I did! That’s chilling and ugh shivers.
It was so fast paced I literally could not put it down. This book is gonna stay with me for a long long time.
Once your online people can learn everything about you and you can never get your privacy back. Once it’s out there, it’s out there. I’m terrified to say the least.
And yes I will be recommending this to everyone.
August 22, 2023
Finished this in 2 days. Lots of twists!
April 25, 2023
I can’t even explain how much I LOVED THIS! It was intriguing from the first page, the first sentence and I could not put it down. I flew through this so fast and I’m actually sad that I’ve finished it because I was enjoying it so much!
I’ve actually never read a thriller involving the dark web before so this was really interesting to me and super creepy at times. It really showed me you never truly know who you can trust and it’s just a really scary concept.
Also the main character is a bit of a plant expert so I learned a bit about plants reading this, which was an unexpected bonus but cool! Overall this was a fantastic book I’d highly recommend.
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Ultimo press for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I’ve actually never read a thriller involving the dark web before so this was really interesting to me and super creepy at times. It really showed me you never truly know who you can trust and it’s just a really scary concept.
Also the main character is a bit of a plant expert so I learned a bit about plants reading this, which was an unexpected bonus but cool! Overall this was a fantastic book I’d highly recommend.
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Ultimo press for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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