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DONE IN THE DARK
They built identities to survive. They told lies to keep the peace. Now everything they’ve hidden is demanding the light.
“Every shut eye ain’t sleep, every goodbye ain’t gone, and what’s done in the dark always comes to light.”
Mama Ella’s final words were a warning that unsettled Karina—a heavy prophecy impossible to ignore. A week later, Candace showed up at the funeral.After their grandmother’s death, estranged sisters Candace and Karina, burdened by years of silence, hurt, and everything they’ve never said, inch toward reconciliation. Yet what could be a simple reunion becomes something far more complicated as old tensions flare and long-shadowed truths edge into the light.
Grief forces proximity. But it’s the past—restless, unresolved, and insistent—that forces confrontation and demands acknowledgment. As pieces of their family history shift into place, Candace and Karina are pushed to the lies they leaned on,the identities they created to survive,the choices whose consequences still echo,and the complicated terrain of forgiveness and accountability.Raw, emotionally layered, and impossible to turn away from, Done in the Dark is a powerful contemporary fiction novel about family secrets, sisterhood, and the reckoning that comes when what has been hidden is finally revealed.
“Every shut eye ain’t sleep, every goodbye ain’t gone, and what’s done in the dark always comes to light.”
Mama Ella’s final words were a warning that unsettled Karina—a heavy prophecy impossible to ignore. A week later, Candace showed up at the funeral.After their grandmother’s death, estranged sisters Candace and Karina, burdened by years of silence, hurt, and everything they’ve never said, inch toward reconciliation. Yet what could be a simple reunion becomes something far more complicated as old tensions flare and long-shadowed truths edge into the light.
Grief forces proximity. But it’s the past—restless, unresolved, and insistent—that forces confrontation and demands acknowledgment. As pieces of their family history shift into place, Candace and Karina are pushed to the lies they leaned on,the identities they created to survive,the choices whose consequences still echo,and the complicated terrain of forgiveness and accountability.Raw, emotionally layered, and impossible to turn away from, Done in the Dark is a powerful contemporary fiction novel about family secrets, sisterhood, and the reckoning that comes when what has been hidden is finally revealed.
- GenresFiction
286 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 2, 2024
49 people are currently reading
363 people want to read
About the author
Tamara Morgan
1 book27 followersTamara Morgan is a Berkeley, California native and an alumna of UC Berkeley and Stanford Law School. She has been an avid reader, book collector and crafter of stories since kindergarten. Decades of serving as a diversity, equity and inclusion leader and an employment law attorney has deepened her appreciation for the behaviors and beliefs that unite people and prove that we are all rooted through stories. Tamara’s journey, marked by overcoming personal adversity with the support of a strong sisterhood, has inspired her commitment to empowering women, youth and people of color. She is a proud mother, grandmother, and dog mom.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
September 20, 2025
Done in The Dark was a great read ! It had all the makings — sex & lies, secrets, and more. Watching this play out was a little difficult. I found myself talking to my kindle and yelling at both sisters. They both continued to make so many stupid decisions 😭 I mean, true teenager bullsh*t that really just escalated way too far. My heart broke a few times.. the discussions we had while reading were so much fun. This was a great book for conversation.
March 5, 2025
"Every shut eye ain’t sleep, all goodbyes ain’t gone and what’s done in the dark always comes to light."
Thank you, Tamara Morgan, for writing an amazing story and providing a dope playlist to match! I will never forget these characters; they will always be a part of me!
♾️⭐️
Thank you, Tamara Morgan, for writing an amazing story and providing a dope playlist to match! I will never forget these characters; they will always be a part of me!
♾️⭐️
January 26, 2026
I did not except this book to go so hard. It started off with a bang. 1/2 way through I was questioning how this was a YA and I was hooked in all the drama. And the drama kept coming to the very last page!
January 28, 2026
Completely messy in the best way possible—I ate this TF up! The drama never let up for a single second. Without giving too much away, it’s about two sisters who fall out and spend 16 years apart. But when they finally reconnect, every buried secret comes spilling out, shaking up the safe spaces they’ve built for themselves with their resentment and secrets!
The story jumps between two timelines, the late ’80s/early ’90s and the early 2000s, which adds so much depth to the story. And if you’re from the Bay? Oh, you gon’ feel this one. The author, being a Bay Area native, laced this book with references to real spots, events, and situations that feel way too familiar. I swear, some of these characters might as well have been me, my own friends or even my family because the way their experiences mirror real life is wild.
Be warned though, this book had me ready to crash out! I wanted to fight, scream, and cry the whole time. That’s how you know it was good. For this to be her debut? Yeah, I’m highly impressed. I need more ASAP!
The story jumps between two timelines, the late ’80s/early ’90s and the early 2000s, which adds so much depth to the story. And if you’re from the Bay? Oh, you gon’ feel this one. The author, being a Bay Area native, laced this book with references to real spots, events, and situations that feel way too familiar. I swear, some of these characters might as well have been me, my own friends or even my family because the way their experiences mirror real life is wild.
Be warned though, this book had me ready to crash out! I wanted to fight, scream, and cry the whole time. That’s how you know it was good. For this to be her debut? Yeah, I’m highly impressed. I need more ASAP!
March 20, 2025
Incredible debut novel!
This is about 2 sisters who deal with a insufferable loss at and early age that proves to be detrimental to their relationship leading to an explosive reunion 17 years later.
I know my neighbor is sick of me from the way I was hollering during the final portion of the book but it was just that good!
As the saying goes, "What's done in the dark will come to the light" and that is exactly what happens in the shocking revelations of this book.
Tamara Morgan PLEASE give me book 2/a bonus epilogue/novella, SOMETHING because the way the book ended had me shooketh! I just had to sit at my table for a moment to process what I read. YOU DID THAT!
𝐖𝐎𝐔𝐋𝐃 𝐈 𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊? FOR SURE!
This is about 2 sisters who deal with a insufferable loss at and early age that proves to be detrimental to their relationship leading to an explosive reunion 17 years later.
I know my neighbor is sick of me from the way I was hollering during the final portion of the book but it was just that good!
As the saying goes, "What's done in the dark will come to the light" and that is exactly what happens in the shocking revelations of this book.
Tamara Morgan PLEASE give me book 2/a bonus epilogue/novella, SOMETHING because the way the book ended had me shooketh! I just had to sit at my table for a moment to process what I read. YOU DID THAT!
𝐖𝐎𝐔𝐋𝐃 𝐈 𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊? FOR SURE!
March 9, 2025
"Every shut eye ain't sleep, every goodbye
ain't gone, and what's done in the dark always comes to
light."
I think l'm seriously speechless! But I only have one
question Tamara, is there going to be a book
2? Because girl, I have questions! This is hands down one
of the best debut novels I have ever read!!!
ain't gone, and what's done in the dark always comes to
light."
I think l'm seriously speechless! But I only have one
question Tamara, is there going to be a book
2? Because girl, I have questions! This is hands down one
of the best debut novels I have ever read!!!
March 17, 2025
Every time I think about leaving booksta, a book comes along to remind me of why I started my page in the first place. 1. To talk about the books I love, and didn’t love. 2. To always make space for books by Black authors. 3. Tap into my creative ideas with book pics.
Karina and Candi are sisters who have been estranged for the last 17 years. They’re surprisingly thrust back into each other’s lives at their grandmother’s funeral. Then we go back in time to see what actually caused such a huge rift in their relationship.
These sisters went through so much trauma following their parents deaths, especially Candi! Her story gets very gritty when she was struggling for survival. But I think what did them in most was the years of overwhelming guilt they felt.
All the buried secrets come spilling out! All of the rash, weedkless decisions made in their teen years changed the trajectory of their lives! My body was so tense in the scenes where the sisters would meet as I waited for the inevitable dog walking that needed to happen!! Karina had 17 years of ass whoopings to cash in on 😂
This book was incredible in so many ways! It’s set apart because it goes dark and covered a topic that I’m not used to reading about! Both characters make you both hate them, but you also want to hug, love, and protect them. I love it when an author can be original and think outside the box while also sending me through a whirlwind of emotions.
Baby, this was a jaw dropping read for sure. I stayed up into the wee hours of the morning reading because I could not put it down. The way the author swerved so effortlessly between past/present and POVs 🙌🏾 And to the author: you left us cliffing and hanging 😲 Where is book 2??!
Done in the Dark has been my favorite read this month!! I read this edgy, cup runneth over with drama story with @theofficialchapterchat book club and we all rated 4.5 & 5 ⭐️. This book brought me out of a hellavu reading slump.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐟𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐛 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬? 𝐈𝐆 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐬, 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐂𝐥𝐮𝐛 𝐀𝐩𝐩, 𝐒𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐡, 𝐙𝐨𝐨𝐦, 𝐅𝟐𝐅, 𝐞𝐭𝐜. I liked chatting each chapter on Fable, but enjoy Zooms too…
Karina and Candi are sisters who have been estranged for the last 17 years. They’re surprisingly thrust back into each other’s lives at their grandmother’s funeral. Then we go back in time to see what actually caused such a huge rift in their relationship.
These sisters went through so much trauma following their parents deaths, especially Candi! Her story gets very gritty when she was struggling for survival. But I think what did them in most was the years of overwhelming guilt they felt.
All the buried secrets come spilling out! All of the rash, weedkless decisions made in their teen years changed the trajectory of their lives! My body was so tense in the scenes where the sisters would meet as I waited for the inevitable dog walking that needed to happen!! Karina had 17 years of ass whoopings to cash in on 😂
This book was incredible in so many ways! It’s set apart because it goes dark and covered a topic that I’m not used to reading about! Both characters make you both hate them, but you also want to hug, love, and protect them. I love it when an author can be original and think outside the box while also sending me through a whirlwind of emotions.
Baby, this was a jaw dropping read for sure. I stayed up into the wee hours of the morning reading because I could not put it down. The way the author swerved so effortlessly between past/present and POVs 🙌🏾 And to the author: you left us cliffing and hanging 😲 Where is book 2??!
Done in the Dark has been my favorite read this month!! I read this edgy, cup runneth over with drama story with @theofficialchapterchat book club and we all rated 4.5 & 5 ⭐️. This book brought me out of a hellavu reading slump.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐟𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐛 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬? 𝐈𝐆 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐬, 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐂𝐥𝐮𝐛 𝐀𝐩𝐩, 𝐒𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐡, 𝐙𝐨𝐨𝐦, 𝐅𝟐𝐅, 𝐞𝐭𝐜. I liked chatting each chapter on Fable, but enjoy Zooms too…
March 5, 2025
This is a story that you’re going to need a glass of wine to drink just to process it all. These young ladies went through so much unimaginable heartbreak. It really just makes you think about how one lie can change your whole life. Because once you tell one lie, you’ll always have to create more lies just to cover up the first one.
This book was read with our book club The Official Chapter Chat on fable. And we had a great time !
It’s not too late to join !
This book was read with our book club The Official Chapter Chat on fable. And we had a great time !
It’s not too late to join !
March 5, 2025
I read this in my book club The Chapter Chat over on Fable app and man! This was the best book I’ve read so far this year! This was everything I wanted in a book. Family drama, mess and the emotions! This book was jaw dropping! The writing was amazing you can feel the emotions of the characters and the scenes was very vivid. This was a great debut Tamara! Looking forward to reading more from you!!!
March 6, 2025
When I tell you this was a book I couldn’t put down!! WOW WOW WOW!!! It was messy, emotional, dramatic, and had twist after twist! The time this story took place was absolutely incredible and accurate. It’s scary what bitterness and jealousy looks like between two sisters and what seventeen years can do. Ms. Morgan, BRAVO!
March 9, 2025
Omg I was not expecting all that. It was SO GOOD! So many secrets and lies, I couldn’t put it down. The ending was crazy. Everything came together full circle and left me wanting more. I can’t believe this is a debut. I was so ready to get into more of Tamara’s writing. That being said, imma need book 2 ASAP!
March 22, 2025
wow, just wow. i am shocked, my wig has been snatched honey. tamara morgan did an AMAZING job with Done in the Dark - believe me when i say the five stars were earned! i wish i knew about the playlist before i read it, now i may have to read it again. if this book don't make you feel like you need a smoke [in a funny way] then you need to read it twice too!
synopsis
Karina and Candi, estranged sisters make a reunion after 17 years, at their grandma Mama Ella's funeral. all of their secrets start coming to light and things get messy and emotional. they get to learn each other's story during their time apart -- and when i tell you, you could cut the tension with a butter knife every time. Their parents were killed when they were younger, they each blame each other and the hate is evident. From the mouth of Karina herself "Candi is a selfish, cold-hearted bitch, and her being here can only bring more upheaval into our lives.”
thoughts:
the portrayal of the elders in this read felt like a warm hug from my ancestors. the advice they would give the girls, the cadence and memories from doing chores on a Saturday with the gospel music blazing. i loved everything about this book, despite the amount of tension and the fact i don't have sisters - it felt so relatable like you can see this being someone's life story or on a movie screen. the about and delivery of emotion felt so raw - and i have never wanted to fight a fictional character more than i wanted to lay hands on Karina's ass.
now don't get me wrong, Candi did some fucked up things too, but i loved the development of Nick and her - even with their life struggles they made so much more for themselves, and the fact they stayed together that long was beautiful. i was so disappointed to see what happened to Nick and how the family's secrets affected him.
synopsis
Karina and Candi, estranged sisters make a reunion after 17 years, at their grandma Mama Ella's funeral. all of their secrets start coming to light and things get messy and emotional. they get to learn each other's story during their time apart -- and when i tell you, you could cut the tension with a butter knife every time. Their parents were killed when they were younger, they each blame each other and the hate is evident. From the mouth of Karina herself "Candi is a selfish, cold-hearted bitch, and her being here can only bring more upheaval into our lives.”
thoughts:
the portrayal of the elders in this read felt like a warm hug from my ancestors. the advice they would give the girls, the cadence and memories from doing chores on a Saturday with the gospel music blazing. i loved everything about this book, despite the amount of tension and the fact i don't have sisters - it felt so relatable like you can see this being someone's life story or on a movie screen. the about and delivery of emotion felt so raw - and i have never wanted to fight a fictional character more than i wanted to lay hands on Karina's ass.
now don't get me wrong, Candi did some fucked up things too, but i loved the development of Nick and her - even with their life struggles they made so much more for themselves, and the fact they stayed together that long was beautiful. i was so disappointed to see what happened to Nick and how the family's secrets affected him.
March 10, 2025
Soooo many secrets!!!!!
I need a fifth of hen and whole pack of cigarettes after this one lmao. Mind you, I don’t even smoke lmao!
A lie don’t care who tell it babyyy.. The miscommunication, the dishonesty, the betrayal, that heartbreak.. There were so many heavy moments, but this book was such a good read! I did not want to put it down because everything that was unfolding kept me on my toes! Rina was hardheaded all the way deep into adulthood and that frustrated me; she’s on my list of fictional characters that I want to fight. As an older sister, I resonated with the pressure that Candi felt with being ashamed and embarrassed of mistakes and consequences.. GRANTED it was on a much smaller scale and seemed like an ant compared to Candi’s whale sized issues.
Whelp, that’s about all I can give without me ranting and giving spoilers lol.
I read this book with The Official Chapter Chat on Fable, a great book to kick off the club with and get people engaged for sure.
I need a fifth of hen and whole pack of cigarettes after this one lmao. Mind you, I don’t even smoke lmao!
A lie don’t care who tell it babyyy.. The miscommunication, the dishonesty, the betrayal, that heartbreak.. There were so many heavy moments, but this book was such a good read! I did not want to put it down because everything that was unfolding kept me on my toes! Rina was hardheaded all the way deep into adulthood and that frustrated me; she’s on my list of fictional characters that I want to fight. As an older sister, I resonated with the pressure that Candi felt with being ashamed and embarrassed of mistakes and consequences.. GRANTED it was on a much smaller scale and seemed like an ant compared to Candi’s whale sized issues.
Whelp, that’s about all I can give without me ranting and giving spoilers lol.
I read this book with The Official Chapter Chat on Fable, a great book to kick off the club with and get people engaged for sure.
March 9, 2025
First off WOWWWWW!! This book was amazing, I wasn’t prepared for everything going on. All the drama, lies and secrets had me stressed out lol I kept yelling and shaking my head and Karina and Candace. Both girls were immature and made a lot of crazy decisions, granted they were teenagers but these sisters were overboard. The plot twist at the end had my mouth drop, everything came full circle and was not expected at all. I pray there’s a book 2 because I need more like NOW!!
December 29, 2025
Debut Novel Where!?
Done in the Dark by Tamara Morgan is a gripping debut that explores what happens when love, grief, and blame collide. Candace and Karina begin as inseparable sisters, but after the death of their parents, their bond fractures in ways that feel painfully real. Each sister carries her own version of the truth, and neither can forgive the other—or themselves.
Morgan skillfully guides us through both sisters’ journeys, showing how the same tragedy can shape two very different lives. With their grandmother stepping in to raise them, the family appears held together on the surface, but beneath it lies a web of secrets that refuse to stay buried. One sudden departure changes everything, and from there the story unravels into a storm of family drama, love, betrayal, birth, death, and long-hidden truths.
For a debut novel, Done in the Dark is remarkably confident and emotionally layered. The storytelling pulls no punches, and by the final pages it’s clear: the lies holding this family together may be the very things that tear them apart. The setup for the next installment is intense, and the anticipation is well earned.
Done in the Dark by Tamara Morgan is a gripping debut that explores what happens when love, grief, and blame collide. Candace and Karina begin as inseparable sisters, but after the death of their parents, their bond fractures in ways that feel painfully real. Each sister carries her own version of the truth, and neither can forgive the other—or themselves.
Morgan skillfully guides us through both sisters’ journeys, showing how the same tragedy can shape two very different lives. With their grandmother stepping in to raise them, the family appears held together on the surface, but beneath it lies a web of secrets that refuse to stay buried. One sudden departure changes everything, and from there the story unravels into a storm of family drama, love, betrayal, birth, death, and long-hidden truths.
For a debut novel, Done in the Dark is remarkably confident and emotionally layered. The storytelling pulls no punches, and by the final pages it’s clear: the lies holding this family together may be the very things that tear them apart. The setup for the next installment is intense, and the anticipation is well earned.
December 26, 2025
Just tell the truth!
What’s done in the dark always comes to the light. There were so many secrets in this family that seemed to be created from guilt, jealousy and fear of being judged. Sometimes it’s just best to tell the truth and shame the devil. At least your conscious will be intact. Karina was a hard character to like in this book and I couldn’t imagine treating my sister the way that she did throughout this story. Just when you thought all the secrets had been revealed another one opens up at the end.
What’s done in the dark always comes to the light. There were so many secrets in this family that seemed to be created from guilt, jealousy and fear of being judged. Sometimes it’s just best to tell the truth and shame the devil. At least your conscious will be intact. Karina was a hard character to like in this book and I couldn’t imagine treating my sister the way that she did throughout this story. Just when you thought all the secrets had been revealed another one opens up at the end.
January 29, 2026
What’s done in the dark always comes to light, so are we getting a part two or a short or something with the way the book ended?! OMG this book was soooo good just when I thought all the tea had spilled and the drama was over ….whew child the way my mouth dropped! My best read of the year so far! For a debut novel you did that Tamara!
March 4, 2025
(No spoilers included)
Wow, just wow! The twists and turns had me on edge the entire time. Messy, I tell ya. I felt every emotion I can think of while reading this. Great job Tamara, but pleeeeaase tell us there will be more!!! I have to know what happens next!!!
Wow, just wow! The twists and turns had me on edge the entire time. Messy, I tell ya. I felt every emotion I can think of while reading this. Great job Tamara, but pleeeeaase tell us there will be more!!! I have to know what happens next!!!
October 9, 2025
my nerves can’t deal
Done in the dark was a roller coaster ride! Two sisters Candice and Zarina are at odds going through their teenage years. Life takes Candice on a bad ride that she almost doesn’t come back from. Both sisters hold in lies and secrets that can destroy the current lives they’ve built apart from each other.
Zarina got on my EEEENNNNNTIIIIIRRRRRE! Last nerve! This girl had my blood boiling throughout the whole story. How selfish and delusional can you really be for your whole life smdh poor candi didn’t stand a chance against a bitter little sister. I was glad when Zander’s mom had that talk with her because she told her the truth and I was also glad when Zander told her he make up stuff in her head a react on it cause girl what!?!?!
The plot of the story was executed well all the way up until the end (cliffhanger) but good non the less. I feel there is room for a part 2 called comes to the light but hey I’m not an author lol. Great read overall.
Done in the dark was a roller coaster ride! Two sisters Candice and Zarina are at odds going through their teenage years. Life takes Candice on a bad ride that she almost doesn’t come back from. Both sisters hold in lies and secrets that can destroy the current lives they’ve built apart from each other.
Zarina got on my EEEENNNNNTIIIIIRRRRRE! Last nerve! This girl had my blood boiling throughout the whole story. How selfish and delusional can you really be for your whole life smdh poor candi didn’t stand a chance against a bitter little sister. I was glad when Zander’s mom had that talk with her because she told her the truth and I was also glad when Zander told her he make up stuff in her head a react on it cause girl what!?!?!
The plot of the story was executed well all the way up until the end (cliffhanger) but good non the less. I feel there is room for a part 2 called comes to the light but hey I’m not an author lol. Great read overall.
October 1, 2025
Good Read
The story started a little slow and repetitive. I almost DNF'd, particularly due to the excessive use of "Mommy and Daddy". I'm glad I didnt. At around 40% it really picked up and I couldn't put it down. I'm hoping there's a part two in the fufure.
The story started a little slow and repetitive. I almost DNF'd, particularly due to the excessive use of "Mommy and Daddy". I'm glad I didnt. At around 40% it really picked up and I couldn't put it down. I'm hoping there's a part two in the fufure.
November 23, 2024
No place like home.. Bay Area ✨
First off! When I first initially started reading the book , I was confused as to how it ended up in my library! Lol the synopsis was bomb af but I still was so confused. I finally decided to start reading the book and when I tell you I got chills and goosebumps from the FAMILIARITY! I’m an avid book reader and never in my life have I read any books that have been based in The Bay Area. Seeing Rolling Hills… knowing I have so many loved ones in plots at that cemetery.. BUT the part of the book that sent a chill down my spine and made me put the book down for a few days was when I read that Karina’s grandmother wearing that sweater with all those colors so that she’s always matching no matter what! My grandmother passed away June 12,2023 and she would ALWAYS wear this sweater with hella colors and tell m cousin Katrina the same exact thing ! Slat that point I was very convinced that my granny’s spirit downloaded this book and wanted me to read it! Come to find out a few days later I get a request to join a Facebook group about this VERY book from my little cousin Tiara Nicole .. and she just so happens to have the SAME birthday as my granny: February 1st…
This book sent me through EVERY emotion ! I laughed , I cried and cried some more. Ms. Tamara you’ve done a REMARKABLE job! You kept me engaged with every character . Every plot twist I was ready for , every curve ball I was ready to catch! That doozy you probably hit most people with didn’t surprise me SIMPLY, because I would’ve done the same thing you did hahahaha! I need part 2. Sam I not gone let sleeping dog lay. Nick in his feeling incarcerated lol. Karina forever gone be jealous of Candace BUT that last secret GOTTA COME OUT ! What’s done in the dark always comes to the light! 10/10 highly recommend
First off! When I first initially started reading the book , I was confused as to how it ended up in my library! Lol the synopsis was bomb af but I still was so confused. I finally decided to start reading the book and when I tell you I got chills and goosebumps from the FAMILIARITY! I’m an avid book reader and never in my life have I read any books that have been based in The Bay Area. Seeing Rolling Hills… knowing I have so many loved ones in plots at that cemetery.. BUT the part of the book that sent a chill down my spine and made me put the book down for a few days was when I read that Karina’s grandmother wearing that sweater with all those colors so that she’s always matching no matter what! My grandmother passed away June 12,2023 and she would ALWAYS wear this sweater with hella colors and tell m cousin Katrina the same exact thing ! Slat that point I was very convinced that my granny’s spirit downloaded this book and wanted me to read it! Come to find out a few days later I get a request to join a Facebook group about this VERY book from my little cousin Tiara Nicole .. and she just so happens to have the SAME birthday as my granny: February 1st…
This book sent me through EVERY emotion ! I laughed , I cried and cried some more. Ms. Tamara you’ve done a REMARKABLE job! You kept me engaged with every character . Every plot twist I was ready for , every curve ball I was ready to catch! That doozy you probably hit most people with didn’t surprise me SIMPLY, because I would’ve done the same thing you did hahahaha! I need part 2. Sam I not gone let sleeping dog lay. Nick in his feeling incarcerated lol. Karina forever gone be jealous of Candace BUT that last secret GOTTA COME OUT ! What’s done in the dark always comes to the light! 10/10 highly recommend
January 16, 2026
I was completely hooked from the start. Even though this was a short read, I found myself wishing it were much longer. I wanted to slow down just to make it last, because once you start reading, it’s impossible to put down. A true page-turner.
Karina’s attitude was hard to ignore. She tried to present herself as a goody-two-shoes, but that image quickly fell apart. Her behavior felt self-absorbed and frustrating, especially when it came to how she treated her sister. The arguments with Candy felt unnecessary and unfair, which only made her character more unlikeable.
Candy truly broke my heart. She was dealt such a bad hand and still kept reaching out, trying again and again only to be met with silence. Watching her be ignored and dismissed added so much emotional weight to the story.
What stood out most was how deeply I felt this book. I wanted to screamed at or forced to feel something I experienced every emotion naturally as the story unfolded. The theme was clear and powerful: once you start lying, you’re trapped into keeping it up, and the consequences only grow.
Please tell me this isn’t the end. If there’s no part two, that would be a real crime this story deserves more.
Karina’s attitude was hard to ignore. She tried to present herself as a goody-two-shoes, but that image quickly fell apart. Her behavior felt self-absorbed and frustrating, especially when it came to how she treated her sister. The arguments with Candy felt unnecessary and unfair, which only made her character more unlikeable.
Candy truly broke my heart. She was dealt such a bad hand and still kept reaching out, trying again and again only to be met with silence. Watching her be ignored and dismissed added so much emotional weight to the story.
What stood out most was how deeply I felt this book. I wanted to screamed at or forced to feel something I experienced every emotion naturally as the story unfolded. The theme was clear and powerful: once you start lying, you’re trapped into keeping it up, and the consequences only grow.
Please tell me this isn’t the end. If there’s no part two, that would be a real crime this story deserves more.
November 18, 2024
SO SO GOOD!
For my generation, the quote the title comes from is very familiar, so my connection with Mama Ella was immediate. I was alternately understanding and angry with Karina throughout; her inability to see her contribution in how Candace' life unfolded made me just want to shake her! What an ego!
The circumstances of Candace life, after she left home, reminded me of so many girls of my generation, relying on the kindness of strangers to get by. The twist and turns had me holding my breath and turning pages into the wee hours of the morning. I was NOT prepared for the stunning conclusion.
I'm looking forward to whatever Tamara Morgan turns out next!
For my generation, the quote the title comes from is very familiar, so my connection with Mama Ella was immediate. I was alternately understanding and angry with Karina throughout; her inability to see her contribution in how Candace' life unfolded made me just want to shake her! What an ego!
The circumstances of Candace life, after she left home, reminded me of so many girls of my generation, relying on the kindness of strangers to get by. The twist and turns had me holding my breath and turning pages into the wee hours of the morning. I was NOT prepared for the stunning conclusion.
I'm looking forward to whatever Tamara Morgan turns out next!
January 11, 2026
Just wow!
Definitely one of the best books I read in a long time!
I’m literally speechless, can’t even grasp my head around what i just read. It was so much to digest and process.
These sisters went through so much heartbreak and trauma. It will have you going thru an emotional phase. It definitely touch my heart, I was feeling like I was being pulled from both perspectives. It’s so hard to put the blame on either sister.
The secrets, the resentment, jealousy, and the blame was so much. It was written extremely well.
I was ready to fight, scream and cry so many times while reading this book.
I just know I need the next book soon.
Definitely one of the best books I read in a long time!
I’m literally speechless, can’t even grasp my head around what i just read. It was so much to digest and process.
These sisters went through so much heartbreak and trauma. It will have you going thru an emotional phase. It definitely touch my heart, I was feeling like I was being pulled from both perspectives. It’s so hard to put the blame on either sister.
The secrets, the resentment, jealousy, and the blame was so much. It was written extremely well.
I was ready to fight, scream and cry so many times while reading this book.
I just know I need the next book soon.
October 22, 2025
Absolutely Amazing Read
What a read! It has it all - sex, lies, secrets, love, hardships, betrayal, & more secrets. I’ve been on an emotional roller coaster while reading this book, but I loved every single page. I’ve gasped, cried, thrown the book, and even had to get up and walk away for a while. Well done on your debut novel Ms. Tamara Morgan. DITD was an exceptional read.
What a read! It has it all - sex, lies, secrets, love, hardships, betrayal, & more secrets. I’ve been on an emotional roller coaster while reading this book, but I loved every single page. I’ve gasped, cried, thrown the book, and even had to get up and walk away for a while. Well done on your debut novel Ms. Tamara Morgan. DITD was an exceptional read.
October 22, 2025
What a read! This one earns 5 stars easily. It has it all - sex, lies, secrets, love, betrayal, hardships, & more secrets. I have been on an emotional roller coaster while reading this book, but I loved every single page. I’ve gasped, cried, thrown the book, and even had to get up and walk away for a while. Well done on your debut novel, Ms. Tamara Morgan. DITD was an exceptional read.
November 29, 2025
I was not ready for the ending. I expected this to be a story about family hurt and reconciliation. My goodness! After all Candance and Karina had been though to find out Samaya connected them in be way she connects them. I cupped my hand over my mouth. And lemme say Zander had audacity. He did. Where is Sofia? I need a Part 2 stat.
October 21, 2025
Cones to light
This book kept me reading non-stop. The writing is amazing, so real. I thought I was Candace, similar story. I can’t wait until the next book comes out, this should be a series.
This book kept me reading non-stop. The writing is amazing, so real. I thought I was Candace, similar story. I can’t wait until the next book comes out, this should be a series.
January 22, 2026
Omg!!!!
This book is incredible a lot plot and twist going on that had me hollering screaming cussing out the storm. Every Character has a secret that will come into the light. I really enjoy this reading and I am so glad that I read this one 😊
This book is incredible a lot plot and twist going on that had me hollering screaming cussing out the storm. Every Character has a secret that will come into the light. I really enjoy this reading and I am so glad that I read this one 😊
January 26, 2026
Wow!! All I can say it this book was good!!! I was hooked from beginning!! Like the book says : “Every shut eye ain’t sleep, every goodbye ain’t gone, and what’s done in the dark always comes to light.” Read it!!!
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