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Alone in the Dark
Preorder the BRAND NEW psychological thriller from bestseller Joanne Ryan She witnessed a murder… but nobody’s dead It was a quiet night, like any other, when Abi went for her usual night-time run. It was her escape from all the stresses of life, the thing she did so she was stronger than the man who’d once hurt her so badly.
But then – as she turns a quiet corner – she sees a car hitting somebody. Rushing forward, as the driver screeches off into the night, she realizes the man in the road has already died.
After rushing to call for help, Abi returns to find a policeman already waiting. But there’s no body. No one is there.
Abi knows what she saw. But everyone else thinks she’s lost her mind. Everyone except one person. Who wants her to stay silent.. forever.
Readers love Joanne ‘A terrifically twisty tale.’ No.1 bestselling author, Valerie Keogh
‘One of the best twists I have read in a while.’ Bestselling author, Keri Beevis
‘Once Joanne Ryan hooks you into a story, she doesn’t let you go. This twisty thriller kept me turning the pages never sure what was going to happen next… Brilliant. A great read!’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘I could NOT put this book down! The story was a real good one, you didn’t know what was happening. I LOVE books when they make you think, and then you change your mind on the characters. The ending was WOW, AFTER ALL THAT JUST WOW!!!!! Loved it!’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Oh wow!!! Joanne Ryan really knows her stuff!!!… Everything a psychological thriller means and more!!! Absolutely fantastic.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘So good! I couldn’t put this book down and was guilty of ignoring my family for most of yesterday because of it… Can’t wait for the next one!’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘From the moment I picked this book up, I was hooked. I had a hard time putting it down. I even stayed up late reading… I thought I had the twist figured out but the author surprised me multiple times. I highly recommend this book to anybody who loves thriller books especially ones that have twists that make you yell, “WHAT?!”’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘I loved the twists and turns in this book… A great read for those who like twisted tales… Joanne Ryan is fast becoming the queen of psycho-dramas.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘I could NOT put this book down and read it cover to cover in one sitting!’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Amazing… filled with twist after twist in the end, which was something I never saw coming… If you’re after a book that you won’t be able to put down, this is it.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Wow, this was so deliciously twisted, I loved it.
But then – as she turns a quiet corner – she sees a car hitting somebody. Rushing forward, as the driver screeches off into the night, she realizes the man in the road has already died.
After rushing to call for help, Abi returns to find a policeman already waiting. But there’s no body. No one is there.
Abi knows what she saw. But everyone else thinks she’s lost her mind. Everyone except one person. Who wants her to stay silent.. forever.
Readers love Joanne ‘A terrifically twisty tale.’ No.1 bestselling author, Valerie Keogh
‘One of the best twists I have read in a while.’ Bestselling author, Keri Beevis
‘Once Joanne Ryan hooks you into a story, she doesn’t let you go. This twisty thriller kept me turning the pages never sure what was going to happen next… Brilliant. A great read!’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘I could NOT put this book down! The story was a real good one, you didn’t know what was happening. I LOVE books when they make you think, and then you change your mind on the characters. The ending was WOW, AFTER ALL THAT JUST WOW!!!!! Loved it!’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Oh wow!!! Joanne Ryan really knows her stuff!!!… Everything a psychological thriller means and more!!! Absolutely fantastic.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘So good! I couldn’t put this book down and was guilty of ignoring my family for most of yesterday because of it… Can’t wait for the next one!’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘From the moment I picked this book up, I was hooked. I had a hard time putting it down. I even stayed up late reading… I thought I had the twist figured out but the author surprised me multiple times. I highly recommend this book to anybody who loves thriller books especially ones that have twists that make you yell, “WHAT?!”’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘I loved the twists and turns in this book… A great read for those who like twisted tales… Joanne Ryan is fast becoming the queen of psycho-dramas.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘I could NOT put this book down and read it cover to cover in one sitting!’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Amazing… filled with twist after twist in the end, which was something I never saw coming… If you’re after a book that you won’t be able to put down, this is it.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Wow, this was so deliciously twisted, I loved it.
232 pages, Hardcover
First published June 1, 2024
443 people are currently reading
622 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
August 20, 2024
Gripping, tense, and hard to put down, Alone in the Dark kept me on my toes and turning the pages! I enjoyed the plot, the pacing, the writing, and the mystery behind what Abi witnessed on her late night run.
While out running, Abi witnesses a man getting hit by a car which quickly drives away. When she rushes to the man, he looks dead and she runs for help. When the authorities arrive after she reports the hit-and-run, there is no body. The investigators question Abi's version of events and her mental health. Did she actually see a man get hit? Is she reliable? Where is the body?
This was a tense and tight mystery where Abi stands by what she saw and those in her life question what she saw. I rooted for Abi and along with her, I wanted to know the truth! I enjoyed how the author built upon the mystery, the tension, the mounting sense of danger, and suspense. Plus, there are a fair amount of twists in this book which kept me on my toes and turning the pages.
I also enjoyed how the author uses 'then' and 'now' chapters to provide readers with a fuller glimpse into Abi's life and past. This was a nice device and introduced a subplot in addition to the main plot. Both worked very well for me and all came together nicely in the end.
Well written, well thought out and gripping!
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
While out running, Abi witnesses a man getting hit by a car which quickly drives away. When she rushes to the man, he looks dead and she runs for help. When the authorities arrive after she reports the hit-and-run, there is no body. The investigators question Abi's version of events and her mental health. Did she actually see a man get hit? Is she reliable? Where is the body?
This was a tense and tight mystery where Abi stands by what she saw and those in her life question what she saw. I rooted for Abi and along with her, I wanted to know the truth! I enjoyed how the author built upon the mystery, the tension, the mounting sense of danger, and suspense. Plus, there are a fair amount of twists in this book which kept me on my toes and turning the pages.
I also enjoyed how the author uses 'then' and 'now' chapters to provide readers with a fuller glimpse into Abi's life and past. This was a nice device and introduced a subplot in addition to the main plot. Both worked very well for me and all came together nicely in the end.
Well written, well thought out and gripping!
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
August 1, 2024
This is a fast paced book where you can’t stop reading! I read it in a few hours! I think the dual traumas felt by Abi made the book even better! She witnesses a hit and run no long after she escapes a dangerous relationship. She is a very likeable character! I had read another book by this author, and wasn’t impressed. But, this book makes me want to seek out more by her. I’m so glad I gave it a go! Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
December 4, 2024
Listened. Rose Robinson was utterly perfect. Stunning performance.
I truly enjoyed every minute of this audiobook even though there were gaping holes and flat-out silly reveals.
Abi was a GREAT character. I liked her from the very start. I appreciated her faults and didn't for a moment roll my eyes at her incessant paranoid self-talk (something I normally hate). She made sense. Her actions. Her fears. All of who she was made sense. Big round of applause to Ms. Ryan for creating such a compelling MC.
The story, though, wasn't perfect. I mean we meet Adam and Eve and then--nothing. I would have liked more of them. The person who left the lipstick warning without breaking in? That was pretty obvious. The BAD GUYS?????? OMG, there was LITERALLY nothing about why/who/how. Just that they were BAD and did BAD things. Silly silly silly.
Mel!!!!! I wanted resolution.
And the BIG FIND by Abi--which leads her to DISCOVER who is BAD. I don't love when characters stumble upon CLUES in such ways, but maybe I'm the only one. I guess clues have to be come by somehow, right? How else could a mystery get solved?
Regardless of my whining--I adored Abi.
I truly enjoyed every minute of this audiobook even though there were gaping holes and flat-out silly reveals.
Abi was a GREAT character. I liked her from the very start. I appreciated her faults and didn't for a moment roll my eyes at her incessant paranoid self-talk (something I normally hate). She made sense. Her actions. Her fears. All of who she was made sense. Big round of applause to Ms. Ryan for creating such a compelling MC.
The story, though, wasn't perfect. I mean we meet Adam and Eve and then--nothing. I would have liked more of them. The person who left the lipstick warning without breaking in? That was pretty obvious. The BAD GUYS?????? OMG, there was LITERALLY nothing about why/who/how. Just that they were BAD and did BAD things. Silly silly silly.
Mel!!!!! I wanted resolution.
And the BIG FIND by Abi--which leads her to DISCOVER who is BAD. I don't love when characters stumble upon CLUES in such ways, but maybe I'm the only one. I guess clues have to be come by somehow, right? How else could a mystery get solved?
Regardless of my whining--I adored Abi.
April 30, 2025
Psychological thriller
Domestic Thrillers, Mystery
Publication date : August 19, 2024
Narrated by: Rose Robinson. Length: 8 hrs and 51 mins
She witnessed a murder… but nobody’s dead...
This story managed to capture me from the beginning. I was intrigued by the hit-and-run and also by Abi's backstory. Dealing with both mental and physical abuse isn't easy. How can she trust anyone else after what she experienced with her ex? It was interesting to see how Abi coped with unexpected situation many would have avoided getting involved with. I liked that Abi didn't run away but she went to call for help, but now she was in danger herself although no one seemed to believe what she had seen...
Domestic Thrillers, Mystery
Publication date : August 19, 2024
Narrated by: Rose Robinson. Length: 8 hrs and 51 mins
She witnessed a murder… but nobody’s dead...
This story managed to capture me from the beginning. I was intrigued by the hit-and-run and also by Abi's backstory. Dealing with both mental and physical abuse isn't easy. How can she trust anyone else after what she experienced with her ex? It was interesting to see how Abi coped with unexpected situation many would have avoided getting involved with. I liked that Abi didn't run away but she went to call for help, but now she was in danger herself although no one seemed to believe what she had seen...
August 21, 2024
Abigail Redmond went out for a late-night run and witnessed a murder disguised as a hit-and-run. The problem is - when the police arrive, there’s no body. Yet, it was there before she went to call the police. Was the victim still alive? Did the perpetrators come back to get the body? Who is this man?
The novel opens with a character lamenting a wrong choice that has now ruined his/her life. It’s a great hook and the ensuing pace is in line with the character out for a run.
The tension increases as the runner reports in real time and readers will feel a sense of helplessness as they’ll no doubt surmise what has happened.
I loved the tension-filled read, the writing style and the twists.
This is my first book by this author and I’d certainly investigate her backlist.
I was gifted this copy by Boldwood Books and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
The novel opens with a character lamenting a wrong choice that has now ruined his/her life. It’s a great hook and the ensuing pace is in line with the character out for a run.
The tension increases as the runner reports in real time and readers will feel a sense of helplessness as they’ll no doubt surmise what has happened.
I loved the tension-filled read, the writing style and the twists.
This is my first book by this author and I’d certainly investigate her backlist.
I was gifted this copy by Boldwood Books and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
August 4, 2024
Well, I think I now have a new favourite book from Joanne Ryan after having read her previous one, Don’t Let Her In. Alone in the Dark positions itself now as the top 1 book from her.
I also had the privilege of reading Don't Let Her In as an advanced copy, and as I've mentioned with The Lodger and The Double, her writing has consistently improved over the years, making her trajectory as an author fun to read. You notice the prolificness showing, not just in her technical writing but also in how she develops the plot into something more interesting for the story she wants to tell and doesn’t stall now.
Abi has major Girl on the Train/Woman in the Window syndrome going on; the author wants the reader to feel how Abi is seen by her community as a bit of an unreliable narrator, but I didn't really get its full effect. The clues were subtly introduced, not overtly but gradually, revealing connections between some characters that I suspected from the start and felt actually vindicated about! I really like when clues aren’t there just to throw you off or just be like "Oh well, this is suspicious", they were actually incorporated into the story just so naturally and flowed well.
The side story was heartfelt and was a quite nice addition to the main plot about the mystery surrounding the accident. It added humanity and sense to it... it was a bit terrifying at times, I’m not gonna lie.
I also had the privilege of reading Don't Let Her In as an advanced copy, and as I've mentioned with The Lodger and The Double, her writing has consistently improved over the years, making her trajectory as an author fun to read. You notice the prolificness showing, not just in her technical writing but also in how she develops the plot into something more interesting for the story she wants to tell and doesn’t stall now.
Abi has major Girl on the Train/Woman in the Window syndrome going on; the author wants the reader to feel how Abi is seen by her community as a bit of an unreliable narrator, but I didn't really get its full effect. The clues were subtly introduced, not overtly but gradually, revealing connections between some characters that I suspected from the start and felt actually vindicated about! I really like when clues aren’t there just to throw you off or just be like "Oh well, this is suspicious", they were actually incorporated into the story just so naturally and flowed well.
The side story was heartfelt and was a quite nice addition to the main plot about the mystery surrounding the accident. It added humanity and sense to it... it was a bit terrifying at times, I’m not gonna lie.
July 27, 2024
another gripping addictive twisty book from this author. Abi s life at the moment is not perfect but she is getting there she now lives on her own. she loves running to help her mind but one night she sees something that she can't just forget. a man has been runover she has no mobile, so she goes to a pay phone and rings the police, when she gets back there a policeman is there but no man on the road. Abi thinks he is ok. until she sees a news report .and Abi can't leave it lie but at what cost who can you believe and who can you trust an amazing read that will keep you gripped until the very end.
August 16, 2024
EXCERPT “In just one second, I ruined my life.”
Abi is slowly rebuilding her life after a messy relationship with her ex Will, she has taken up running and whilst out on a run she is witness to a hit and run. Without her mobile and the man lying motionless in the street, she finds the closest telephone box and calls the emergency services. But when she returns the man is gone. This starts the dominoes falling on Abi’s life as things begin to spiral.
This is a quick read with enough to keep you interested. A suspense thriller with twists.
Many thanks to NetGalley, publisher and author for my eARC.
August 26, 2024
As with all Joanne Ryan books this twisted and turned constantly. I really didn't know who to trust. I could never make my mind up who was telling the truth and who was not, or who was twisting it to suit their own version of events. This is a great story with strong characterisation and well written. Thoroughly deserved 5 stars!
October 2, 2024
5 STARS
I felt so many things when reading this book, and I truly loved the mystery of it all. No detail was left out, but it still didn't feel like there is was much waffle.
I couldn't stop reading, but I also did not want it to end.
The final sentence is what really sold it for me, I loved it.
I love as a reader to have an inkling about something, but also be knocked off the scent a little bit.
I also feel like the characters were very flushed out, and I enjoyed the way the author took time to really build the relationships.
I felt so many things when reading this book, and I truly loved the mystery of it all. No detail was left out, but it still didn't feel like there is was much waffle.
I couldn't stop reading, but I also did not want it to end.
The final sentence is what really sold it for me, I loved it.
I love as a reader to have an inkling about something, but also be knocked off the scent a little bit.
I also feel like the characters were very flushed out, and I enjoyed the way the author took time to really build the relationships.
August 27, 2024
Abi is on a late night run and sees a man hit by a car. Two men get out and look at the man lying there and drive off. Abi runs to the man who looks quite dead. Abi covers the man with her tracksuit top to try to keep him warm. She has no mobile phone so runs to a phone, calls the police, and runs back. A police officer is there but there is no one lying on the road. The officer says he must not to have been as hurt as she thought.
A few days later Abi sees a news story showing pictures of a missing man, the one hit by the two men’s car.
A new author for me… well done. A fun page-turner.
A few days later Abi sees a news story showing pictures of a missing man, the one hit by the two men’s car.
A new author for me… well done. A fun page-turner.
July 31, 2024
Abi is out for her usual nighttime run when she witnesses a car hit somebody. The car flees the scene. Abi runs to check on the victim, but realizes quickly that he died. Abi does not have her cell phone on her, so she runs to the nearest pay phone to call the police. Once she returns to the scene of the crime, the police have arrived. But, there is no body.
Nobody believes Abi. But she knows what she saw. She knows a man died. And someone else ou there knows the truth too....
I REALLY enjoyed "Keep Your Friends Close" by Joanne Ryan (super twisted and crazy) so I was super excited to read her latest novel. Unfortunately, this one was a bit of a let down for me. It lacked the twists and craziness that I love. The story was super predictable, especially the "main twist". Spotted that one from a mile away.
It is a very quick and easy read. I did enjoy the flip between the past and present, as it kept me wanting to turn the pages. The beginning started off quite good. I was intrigued and captivated. But, I lost interest pretty quickly. I found Abi's internal monologue receptive and annoying. So much of this was completely irrelevant to the story and took away from the suspense aspect.
Overall, a very average and predictable read that lacked the elements I enjoy in a thriller. To me, this is a bit of an outlier for Joanne Ryan. Still looking forward to her future reads/ones I haven't read yet!
Thank you Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Nobody believes Abi. But she knows what she saw. She knows a man died. And someone else ou there knows the truth too....
I REALLY enjoyed "Keep Your Friends Close" by Joanne Ryan (super twisted and crazy) so I was super excited to read her latest novel. Unfortunately, this one was a bit of a let down for me. It lacked the twists and craziness that I love. The story was super predictable, especially the "main twist". Spotted that one from a mile away.
It is a very quick and easy read. I did enjoy the flip between the past and present, as it kept me wanting to turn the pages. The beginning started off quite good. I was intrigued and captivated. But, I lost interest pretty quickly. I found Abi's internal monologue receptive and annoying. So much of this was completely irrelevant to the story and took away from the suspense aspect.
Overall, a very average and predictable read that lacked the elements I enjoy in a thriller. To me, this is a bit of an outlier for Joanne Ryan. Still looking forward to her future reads/ones I haven't read yet!
Thank you Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 25, 2024
I have just finished this book and I must say I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Although a little predictable in places, I didn’t see the end coming until it landed.
The MFC is hugely relatable and enjoyed how the author filled in the back story through the book rather than all in a blocked chapter.
I would definitely recommend this book and will seek out some of her back catalogue
Although a little predictable in places, I didn’t see the end coming until it landed.
The MFC is hugely relatable and enjoyed how the author filled in the back story through the book rather than all in a blocked chapter.
I would definitely recommend this book and will seek out some of her back catalogue
October 25, 2024
This book was so good! My first read by Joanne Ryan. She knows how to tell a story! Psychological thriller at its best. Abi witnesses an accident and after that nothing in her life is as it seems. Definitely recommend this read!
August 23, 2024
Alone In The Dark by Joanne Ryan, abby has been through a lot and it changed her life in many different ways while out jogging at four in the morning she sees a man get hit by a car and having no cell phone she leaves him to call emergency services but when she returns all she finds is Officer Simon he is kind and explains the many different things that could’ve happened to have the man be gone when she return but when she sees a missing man on the news and believes that is the victim. She calls officer Simon his attitude is contrary and completely different from his previous attitude towards her. This isn’t the first time in Abby‘s life she’s been treated with distain not to mention his trying to gaslight her The more she tries to find out the truth, the more strange things happen, not to mention she feels someone is following her. She believes she should really just let it go. The only good thing in her life is John who she met at Spanish class her parents and her best friend Mel. Unfortunately it seems the universe is working against her because at every turn something nags the back of her mind or she gets another clue but essentially she finds out more and more about the event she is starting to wish she never saw. Not to mention her exes new girlfriend shows up begging for her help and her ex is the last bone she wants poking out of her secret closet. This book was so good I love a book with multiple mysteries that is definitely this book throughout the story we learn more about what’s happening and what happened in Abbys life to cost her to go from a high flying career woman to a stocker at a grocery store although she appreciates everything in her life before it’s over just being a live will be what she appreciates the most. I love books by Joanne Ryan and I must be honest and say this book was kind of predictable but I still really enjoyed it I liked Abby who almost never irritated me throughout the whole book and I was definitely rooting for her. This is a great thriller for those who just like reading great thrillers this is a great choice. #NetGalley, #BoldwoodBooks, #JoannRyan, #AloneInTheDark,
August 25, 2024
Thank you @rararesources for letting me be part of this tour and reviewing this book. Alone in the dark is a Psychological thriller and was addictive and thrilling read. The story about Abi who goes for a run and sees hit-and-run and tries to help the person who has been run over, but the man is not there. Abi runs due to event that happen in her life, and it helps her think. Abi sees on the news there is a man is missing and Abi thinks she's knowing who it is. Abi tries to tell people who it is but no one believes her and she's not as safe as thought she would be. This story will hook you to the point you can't put the book down. I read it in a day that is how hooked I was. The story is at good pace, you can keep up with. I did like Abi, and she developed through the book which I was glad she was getting stronger and sticking up for herself. The story is brilliantly written, and I did not see one of the twists coming. Exciting read that will keep you on your toes. Fantastic read. If you like Psychological book , Alone in the dark will not let you down. 5 stars
July 31, 2024
This is a great read! Psychological fiction at its most gripping!
The story revolves around Abi, a woman in her 30s picking up the wreckage of her life following a relationship breakdown and a criminal conviction.
Living a simple life that consists of working the nightshift at the supermarket and running in the hours of darkness, Abi finds herself in the unfortunate position of being the sole witness to a hit and run accident. Abi reports the accident to the police but as the body has mysteriously disappeared by the time the police arrive, Abi finds herself written off as delusional. As this novel plays out we discover ourselves being unsure who to trust as Abu navigates her way through a host of unpleasant encounters!
This is an utter delight, for those who like their escapism dark and sinister, this is an absolute must!!
,My thanks to Netgalley, author and publisher for the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an advance copy.
The story revolves around Abi, a woman in her 30s picking up the wreckage of her life following a relationship breakdown and a criminal conviction.
Living a simple life that consists of working the nightshift at the supermarket and running in the hours of darkness, Abi finds herself in the unfortunate position of being the sole witness to a hit and run accident. Abi reports the accident to the police but as the body has mysteriously disappeared by the time the police arrive, Abi finds herself written off as delusional. As this novel plays out we discover ourselves being unsure who to trust as Abu navigates her way through a host of unpleasant encounters!
This is an utter delight, for those who like their escapism dark and sinister, this is an absolute must!!
,My thanks to Netgalley, author and publisher for the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an advance copy.
August 24, 2024
I have enjoyed everything I've read to date my Ryan, and this book didn't disappoint! Abi witnessed a hit and run, and when she returns from the nearest phone booth calling the police, an officer is at the scene, but the victim is gone. No one believes Abi, but she knows what she saw. When she sees the victim on the news as a missing person, she is determined to prove that she was right.
Abi was a very likable main character. Even though I didn't love all of the choices she made, I found myself rooting for her. She suffered through trauma in her life, and I wanted her to win in the end. Abi knew what she saw and everyone else questioned what she thought she saw. This story was tense and gripping. The plot develops in dal timelines, Abi's "then" and her "now". This helped give depth to Abi, and brought her character to life. There were twists and turns along the way as I watched Abi fight to be seen as reliable and trustworthy. Another solid read by Ryan!
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Abi was a very likable main character. Even though I didn't love all of the choices she made, I found myself rooting for her. She suffered through trauma in her life, and I wanted her to win in the end. Abi knew what she saw and everyone else questioned what she thought she saw. This story was tense and gripping. The plot develops in dal timelines, Abi's "then" and her "now". This helped give depth to Abi, and brought her character to life. There were twists and turns along the way as I watched Abi fight to be seen as reliable and trustworthy. Another solid read by Ryan!
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
August 26, 2024
Oh my god! I cannot even begin to put into words how much I loved this book. I binged it in one sitting, so make sure you have no plans when you start it!
This plot has so much to give to its readers, criminal activity, violence, manipulation, domestic violence, self-doubt and gaslighting on another level, even I was gaslit by one of the characters. At no point does it become confusing and the different aspects work well together.
Abi was such a lovely character, I was really drawn to her, loving her self-development as she was re-building her life, the interactions between her and friends at the Spanish class were some lighthearted relief amongst the darker storylines.
I don’t want to risk any spoilers, so just buy the book! You won’t be disappointed.
This plot has so much to give to its readers, criminal activity, violence, manipulation, domestic violence, self-doubt and gaslighting on another level, even I was gaslit by one of the characters. At no point does it become confusing and the different aspects work well together.
Abi was such a lovely character, I was really drawn to her, loving her self-development as she was re-building her life, the interactions between her and friends at the Spanish class were some lighthearted relief amongst the darker storylines.
I don’t want to risk any spoilers, so just buy the book! You won’t be disappointed.
August 24, 2024
Alone in the Dark is my third venture into a thriller by Ryan and is definitely my favourite to date.
It's an addictive twisty thriller that immediately had me gripped from the opening paragraphs.
'Because life is about choices; there is always a choice. I made the wrong one. In just one second I ruined my life'.
And there you have it, the three sentences that had me sold and compelled to keep reading.
The pace was fast right from the off with the suspense and tension palpable. My heart spent most of the book in my mouth as I anticipated what was going to happen to Abi.
Fantastic book, thoroughly enjoyed it and I anticipate reading more from Ryan very soon.
It's an addictive twisty thriller that immediately had me gripped from the opening paragraphs.
'Because life is about choices; there is always a choice. I made the wrong one. In just one second I ruined my life'.
And there you have it, the three sentences that had me sold and compelled to keep reading.
The pace was fast right from the off with the suspense and tension palpable. My heart spent most of the book in my mouth as I anticipated what was going to happen to Abi.
Fantastic book, thoroughly enjoyed it and I anticipate reading more from Ryan very soon.
October 7, 2024
Well that was an easy five star rating to give. Great thrilling story, great heroine and my heart was honestly pounding at the end.
November 26, 2024
Fast paced, thrilling and couldn’t put down!
November 21, 2025
One of the top five books I’ve read this year, what a page-turner!!! And that last line gave me chills; ‘no more women will be alone in the dark’.
November 11, 2024
gripping
Good read. It took me no time to read as once I started, I was hooked. Give it a go, you won’t be disappointed.
Good read. It took me no time to read as once I started, I was hooked. Give it a go, you won’t be disappointed.
May 17, 2025
Absolutely loved it
July 30, 2024
Thank you to @theboldbookclub I loved this book so much that I read it in a day. The twists and turns want you turning the pages to find out what is next.
October 29, 2024
fantastic read!
Wow what a book, I couldn’t put it down. Looking forward in reading more from this author Joanne Ryan 🤩
Wow what a book, I couldn’t put it down. Looking forward in reading more from this author Joanne Ryan 🤩
August 29, 2024
This was really good! I would’ve given four stars, but the ending did seem really rushed. Other than that, it was great! Plenty of suspense throughout.
August 5, 2024
I really enjoyed this one. I'd say it's more suspense than thriller. but it definitely keeps you flipping pages as the story unfolds and things fall into place. I enjoyed the story and the main character. I completely identify with her as I spend a lot of time in my own head (which is a scary place to be) and can catatrophize with the best of them. I think it's always good when you can see yourself in the characters as it makes the reading experience much more immersive.
September 15, 2024
Abby’s past year has been one of healing and trying to rebuild her confidence in herself.
Abby lost everything the night she left her abuser - a man she’d been in a three year relationship with - that resulted in her being charged with drunk driving. She lost her job, her ability to drive, and her home.
Trying to clear her mind and put the past behind her, Abby takes up running each morning. And on one particular morning, she witnesses a man being purposely run down by a car. When she sees two men exit the car to check on the man before speeding off, she knows something terrible has happened. Due to her recent drunk driving charge, should she reach out and call the police? Or should she continue to lay low?
Things become more complicated when she’s told her ex-boyfriend has a new girlfriend who has moved in with him after a couple of months of dating; just like Abby. Knowing how terrible he is, does she owe it to the girlfriend to say anything? To warn her? Or will that just put Abby back on his radar?
The only positive in Abby’s life is the new guy who joined as a fellow student in the Spanish class she takes. He’s handsome, kind, and seems to enjoy being around her.
Is Abby capable of trusting herself yet? Is she ready to move on? Or are these seemingly random events not so random after all?
This was a thrilling 4 star read that I greatly enjoyed. I definitely felt for Abby and how determined she was to find and trust herself again. I would definitely recommend this for fellow fans of Joanne Ryan and for those who enjoy Gemma Rogers, Anita Waller, and KL Slater!
Abby lost everything the night she left her abuser - a man she’d been in a three year relationship with - that resulted in her being charged with drunk driving. She lost her job, her ability to drive, and her home.
Trying to clear her mind and put the past behind her, Abby takes up running each morning. And on one particular morning, she witnesses a man being purposely run down by a car. When she sees two men exit the car to check on the man before speeding off, she knows something terrible has happened. Due to her recent drunk driving charge, should she reach out and call the police? Or should she continue to lay low?
Things become more complicated when she’s told her ex-boyfriend has a new girlfriend who has moved in with him after a couple of months of dating; just like Abby. Knowing how terrible he is, does she owe it to the girlfriend to say anything? To warn her? Or will that just put Abby back on his radar?
The only positive in Abby’s life is the new guy who joined as a fellow student in the Spanish class she takes. He’s handsome, kind, and seems to enjoy being around her.
Is Abby capable of trusting herself yet? Is she ready to move on? Or are these seemingly random events not so random after all?
This was a thrilling 4 star read that I greatly enjoyed. I definitely felt for Abby and how determined she was to find and trust herself again. I would definitely recommend this for fellow fans of Joanne Ryan and for those who enjoy Gemma Rogers, Anita Waller, and KL Slater!
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