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Death in the Dark
When multiple women are found murdered in their London homes during The Blitz, seventeen-year-old Mary Churchill vows to uncover the identity of the Blackout Ripper, even if it puts her own life at risk. From the author of The Perfect Place to Die and Don't Go to Sleep comes another chilling historical mystery.
Seventeen-year-old Mary Churchill feels helpless as London is ravaged by air raids and mandatory blackouts. As the youngest daughter of the Prime Minister, she longs to do something important, to help those in less fortunate circumstances. On a night out on the town, she connects with an older woman who is in-between jobs and promises to meet her again the next day. Except she never shows up. Mary has a sense that something is wrong, so she decides to go searching—and finds her brutally murdered.
Horrified, Mary immediately goes to the police. But there's a war happening, and they don't have enough manpower to fully dedicate themselves to the murder case. So, Mary takes it upon herself to investigate. The deeper she falls into the case, the more shocking murders she finds. All women, all strangled and mutilated. This is her chance to do something to actually help, to find out who is responsible for the murders and make sure they never have a chance to harm anyone else.
Against the backdrop of bombings and darkness, Mary searches the streets of London for any clues she might ascertain and finds herself in a game of cat-and-mouse with the Blackout Ripper. If only one of them can make it out alive, does Mary have what it takes to make sure its her?
Seventeen-year-old Mary Churchill feels helpless as London is ravaged by air raids and mandatory blackouts. As the youngest daughter of the Prime Minister, she longs to do something important, to help those in less fortunate circumstances. On a night out on the town, she connects with an older woman who is in-between jobs and promises to meet her again the next day. Except she never shows up. Mary has a sense that something is wrong, so she decides to go searching—and finds her brutally murdered.
Horrified, Mary immediately goes to the police. But there's a war happening, and they don't have enough manpower to fully dedicate themselves to the murder case. So, Mary takes it upon herself to investigate. The deeper she falls into the case, the more shocking murders she finds. All women, all strangled and mutilated. This is her chance to do something to actually help, to find out who is responsible for the murders and make sure they never have a chance to harm anyone else.
Against the backdrop of bombings and darkness, Mary searches the streets of London for any clues she might ascertain and finds herself in a game of cat-and-mouse with the Blackout Ripper. If only one of them can make it out alive, does Mary have what it takes to make sure its her?
336 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2025
26 people are currently reading
6350 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
July 11, 2025
This one is….too graphic for a YA.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted ARC
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted ARC
August 4, 2025
Safety info, content warnings and tropes down below.
The premise for this sounded a bit wild but also fun and intriguing, and I'm happy I gave it a chance. I was entertained throughout and I thought the mystery was developed well. The narration was really good as well. Clare Staniforth is a new-to-me narrator but would gladly listen to more. She's very talented and pleasing to listen to.
It's certainly a bit outlandish and difficult to believe, but I chose to put aside any expectations of realism and just enjoyed the easy fun of the story.
Thank you to RBmedia and NetGalley for the ALC.
Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Murder mystery
Historical mystery
London during WW2
Young adult
Churchill's daughter solving murders
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Off and on-page bombings
Themes of war
Mentions of rape and murder of serial killer victims
Graphic murder details
Attempted murder of MC
Gun violence
Minor injuries to MC
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
POV: 1st person, single
Genre: Historical murder mystery
Main character's age: 17
Series: Standalone
Kindle Unlimited: No
Pages: 333
Happy ending: Yes
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?...
The premise for this sounded a bit wild but also fun and intriguing, and I'm happy I gave it a chance. I was entertained throughout and I thought the mystery was developed well. The narration was really good as well. Clare Staniforth is a new-to-me narrator but would gladly listen to more. She's very talented and pleasing to listen to.
It's certainly a bit outlandish and difficult to believe, but I chose to put aside any expectations of realism and just enjoyed the easy fun of the story.
Thank you to RBmedia and NetGalley for the ALC.
Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Murder mystery
Historical mystery
London during WW2
Young adult
Churchill's daughter solving murders
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Off and on-page bombings
Themes of war
Mentions of rape and murder of serial killer victims
Graphic murder details
Attempted murder of MC
Gun violence
Minor injuries to MC
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
POV: 1st person, single
Genre: Historical murder mystery
Main character's age: 17
Series: Standalone
Kindle Unlimited: No
Pages: 333
Happy ending: Yes
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?...
July 27, 2025
4⭐️
Dark, gripping, and disturbingly atmospheric. A brutal serial killer mystery woven through wartime London
I came across Death in the Dark on audiobook via NetGalley, and almost passed it by. Why? Because of one mention: YA. Anyone who knows me knows I’ve tried—and failed—to enjoy many young adult titles, but the writing style rarely resonates with me anymore. Despite intriguing premises, YA novels often fall short for me because of how they’re written.
But this one? This one just wouldn’t go away. That eerie, captivating cover kept popping up, and something about it said read me. So finally, I did.
And Bryce Moore? Hats off. You created the perfect dark historical mystery for me.
Let me be clear right from the start—despite being told from the POV of 17-year-old Mary Churchill, this book should not be categorized as YA. It is dark. Graphic. Unsettling. There are brutal murders, violence against women, and absolutely no trigger warnings to prepare a reader for the content. It’s gritty, intense, and unapologetically grim, and it absolutely should have been listed as adult fiction, not YA. That said, the book itself is brilliant.
Set against the backdrop of Blitz-ravaged London, Death in the Dark blends historical fiction with serial killer thriller. Our protagonist? Mary Churchill, the daughter of Prime Minister Winston Churchill, determined to track down a gruesome killer when the friend she just made is found murdered. While Mary's real-life role during WWII was vastly different, Moore’s fictional take casts her as a reluctant but determined amateur detective. The premise works. Mary is reckless, impulsive, and at times frustrating—but it’s believable. Because she’s 17. Because war forces people to grow up fast. Because powerlessness and privilege are constantly at odds in her life.
Each chapter opens with a grounded snippet of history, reminding us that while the story is fiction, the horrors it’s built around—the Blackout Ripper murders—were very, very real. The crimes are disturbing and vividly rendered, and Moore doesn’t shy away from their brutality. But he also doesn’t sensationalize. Instead, he crafts a chilling portrait of wartime fear, despair, and determination.
The mystery unfolds at a brisk pace, and while some readers may find the eventual reveal predictable, the journey is what matters. And it's immersive. The setting, the fear, the sense of not knowing who to trust—all brilliantly done.
I genuinely wonder what Mary Churchill would’ve thought about being fictionalized in this way. While she had no real involvement in these crimes, she was involved in wartime service through the Red Cross and ATS. She was fiercely intelligent, and as an author herself, I suspect she may have actually appreciated this alternate-universe version of herself: A heroine caught in the shadows of wartime London, fighting her own battles in a different way.
Clare Staniforth did a solid job narrating the audiobook. Her performance was strong overall, though her voice made Mary sound a bit too young for the weight of the story at times, especially given the emotional and psychological intensity.
This is not a tidy, cozy historical mystery. It’s violent, uncomfortable, and layered in fact and fiction. But if you’re looking for a darker WWII thriller that feels raw, moody, and filled with tension—Death in the Dark is well worth the read (or listen).
**Thank you to NetGalley and Tantor Audio for the audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review.**
Dark, gripping, and disturbingly atmospheric. A brutal serial killer mystery woven through wartime London
I came across Death in the Dark on audiobook via NetGalley, and almost passed it by. Why? Because of one mention: YA. Anyone who knows me knows I’ve tried—and failed—to enjoy many young adult titles, but the writing style rarely resonates with me anymore. Despite intriguing premises, YA novels often fall short for me because of how they’re written.
But this one? This one just wouldn’t go away. That eerie, captivating cover kept popping up, and something about it said read me. So finally, I did.
And Bryce Moore? Hats off. You created the perfect dark historical mystery for me.
Let me be clear right from the start—despite being told from the POV of 17-year-old Mary Churchill, this book should not be categorized as YA. It is dark. Graphic. Unsettling. There are brutal murders, violence against women, and absolutely no trigger warnings to prepare a reader for the content. It’s gritty, intense, and unapologetically grim, and it absolutely should have been listed as adult fiction, not YA. That said, the book itself is brilliant.
Set against the backdrop of Blitz-ravaged London, Death in the Dark blends historical fiction with serial killer thriller. Our protagonist? Mary Churchill, the daughter of Prime Minister Winston Churchill, determined to track down a gruesome killer when the friend she just made is found murdered. While Mary's real-life role during WWII was vastly different, Moore’s fictional take casts her as a reluctant but determined amateur detective. The premise works. Mary is reckless, impulsive, and at times frustrating—but it’s believable. Because she’s 17. Because war forces people to grow up fast. Because powerlessness and privilege are constantly at odds in her life.
Each chapter opens with a grounded snippet of history, reminding us that while the story is fiction, the horrors it’s built around—the Blackout Ripper murders—were very, very real. The crimes are disturbing and vividly rendered, and Moore doesn’t shy away from their brutality. But he also doesn’t sensationalize. Instead, he crafts a chilling portrait of wartime fear, despair, and determination.
The mystery unfolds at a brisk pace, and while some readers may find the eventual reveal predictable, the journey is what matters. And it's immersive. The setting, the fear, the sense of not knowing who to trust—all brilliantly done.
I genuinely wonder what Mary Churchill would’ve thought about being fictionalized in this way. While she had no real involvement in these crimes, she was involved in wartime service through the Red Cross and ATS. She was fiercely intelligent, and as an author herself, I suspect she may have actually appreciated this alternate-universe version of herself: A heroine caught in the shadows of wartime London, fighting her own battles in a different way.
Clare Staniforth did a solid job narrating the audiobook. Her performance was strong overall, though her voice made Mary sound a bit too young for the weight of the story at times, especially given the emotional and psychological intensity.
This is not a tidy, cozy historical mystery. It’s violent, uncomfortable, and layered in fact and fiction. But if you’re looking for a darker WWII thriller that feels raw, moody, and filled with tension—Death in the Dark is well worth the read (or listen).
**Thank you to NetGalley and Tantor Audio for the audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review.**
August 3, 2025
Thank you to Tantor Audio | Tantor Media, the author and NetGalley for an LRC in exchange for an honest review
I adore historical fiction - it’s probably my favourite genre - and this YA thriller by Bryce Moore is a shining example. The author skilfully interweaves a fictional storyline with factual detail, drawing on the real life murders committed by The Blackout Ripper. Gordon Frederick Cummins was a British serial killer responsible for murdering four women and attempting to murder two others over a six-day period in London in February 1942. He is also suspected of committing two earlier murders in October 1941.
Moore shifts the narrative focus away from glorifying the killer, instead centring on a teenage female investigator and spotlighting the social tensions of the era - gender, class and the strains of war. Unlike her fictional portrayal as a sleuth in Death in the Dark, the real Mary Churchill (The PMs youngest Daughter) did not solve murder mysteries - but she was genuinely on the front lines of wartime Britain, both militarily and politically. As others have mentioned, the violence is somewhat graphic for a YA book - so probably would've been better placed in the Adult Fiction category or at the very least had the correct trigger warnings displayed upfront, so younger children would be better prepared.
The Narration by Clare Staniforth was a perfect match - I appreciated the subtle nuances of each characters voice.
I absolutely loved this well researched book's evocative WWII London backdrop and the use of real quotes and news snippets. added greatly to the atmosphere and tension.
#DeathintheDark #NetGalley
I adore historical fiction - it’s probably my favourite genre - and this YA thriller by Bryce Moore is a shining example. The author skilfully interweaves a fictional storyline with factual detail, drawing on the real life murders committed by The Blackout Ripper. Gordon Frederick Cummins was a British serial killer responsible for murdering four women and attempting to murder two others over a six-day period in London in February 1942. He is also suspected of committing two earlier murders in October 1941.
Moore shifts the narrative focus away from glorifying the killer, instead centring on a teenage female investigator and spotlighting the social tensions of the era - gender, class and the strains of war. Unlike her fictional portrayal as a sleuth in Death in the Dark, the real Mary Churchill (The PMs youngest Daughter) did not solve murder mysteries - but she was genuinely on the front lines of wartime Britain, both militarily and politically. As others have mentioned, the violence is somewhat graphic for a YA book - so probably would've been better placed in the Adult Fiction category or at the very least had the correct trigger warnings displayed upfront, so younger children would be better prepared.
The Narration by Clare Staniforth was a perfect match - I appreciated the subtle nuances of each characters voice.
I absolutely loved this well researched book's evocative WWII London backdrop and the use of real quotes and news snippets. added greatly to the atmosphere and tension.
#DeathintheDark #NetGalley
August 1, 2025
Death in the Dark was an excellent read. I was initially concerned it might be too graphic or gory based on other reviews, but it ended up being much more restrained than I expected.
The story offers some powerful and well woven historical context, especially the connections to World War II and the London air raids. I particularly loved the inclusion of quotes from Mary Churchill’s personal diaries at the start of each chapter. They added a meaningful and emotional layer to the narrative.
A compelling and immersive listen. Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity!
The story offers some powerful and well woven historical context, especially the connections to World War II and the London air raids. I particularly loved the inclusion of quotes from Mary Churchill’s personal diaries at the start of each chapter. They added a meaningful and emotional layer to the narrative.
A compelling and immersive listen. Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity!
March 14, 2025
It's understandable that a mystery/thriller novel that's inspired by Jack the Ripper, regardless of whether it's based on true crime or not, is going to be graphic with some unsettling details. Which is why this book should've been written with adult fiction in mind and NOT teen. A list of trigger warnings inserted at the beginning would be well advised.
Also, the seventeen-year old Mary Churchill that Moore created is hard to connect with. She's a girl that absolutely means well, has nothing but good intentions, but still comes off entitled in a whiny-pouty sort of way that does not resonate well for a FMC.
What I can say is done pretty well in this book is the attention to detail for the historical setting. The reader receives a comprehensive outlook on what London was facing during this point in WWII and how this affected the streets and daily lifestyles of the city's residents.
Thank you Netgalley and SOURCEBOOKS Fire for the advanced digital ARC.
Also, the seventeen-year old Mary Churchill that Moore created is hard to connect with. She's a girl that absolutely means well, has nothing but good intentions, but still comes off entitled in a whiny-pouty sort of way that does not resonate well for a FMC.
What I can say is done pretty well in this book is the attention to detail for the historical setting. The reader receives a comprehensive outlook on what London was facing during this point in WWII and how this affected the streets and daily lifestyles of the city's residents.
Thank you Netgalley and SOURCEBOOKS Fire for the advanced digital ARC.
July 30, 2025
First things first: I agree with other reviewers saying that this book should not necessarily be classified as a YA despite our 17 year old protagonist.
That being said, I actually really liked this audiobook. It was not too long, and the story captivating enough that I listened to most of it in only two days! The narration is done well, with the narrator being able to distinguish different characters without making a caricature of it. Especially the narration for Mary, our main character, was really nice.
The story follows 17 year old Mary Churchill, yes *that* one, as she tries to help the police solve a string of murders in London during WWII. The setting was quite unique for a (YA) thriller, and the writer made it all seem very real and captivating.
The mystery itself was fairly simplistic, the YA character of the novel coming out mostly there, though some of the details were far too gory and intense for a YA novel. Everything developed at a good, medium pace, leaving enough room for the listener to think along with Mary without dragging the story along.
I think my favorite aspect of this book was not the mystery though, but the characters. I couldn't help but root for young Mary, and the way she felt so helpless as an underage woman during the war. I liked the way she went about things, even if they weren't always rational. In the end, she is still a teenager.
Overall, if you want a nice quick read or listen, I think this book makes for a good entrance in the mystery/thriller genre, though not actual young teenagers.
** special thanks to Netgalley & Tantor Audio for the ALC **
That being said, I actually really liked this audiobook. It was not too long, and the story captivating enough that I listened to most of it in only two days! The narration is done well, with the narrator being able to distinguish different characters without making a caricature of it. Especially the narration for Mary, our main character, was really nice.
The story follows 17 year old Mary Churchill, yes *that* one, as she tries to help the police solve a string of murders in London during WWII. The setting was quite unique for a (YA) thriller, and the writer made it all seem very real and captivating.
The mystery itself was fairly simplistic, the YA character of the novel coming out mostly there, though some of the details were far too gory and intense for a YA novel. Everything developed at a good, medium pace, leaving enough room for the listener to think along with Mary without dragging the story along.
I think my favorite aspect of this book was not the mystery though, but the characters. I couldn't help but root for young Mary, and the way she felt so helpless as an underage woman during the war. I liked the way she went about things, even if they weren't always rational. In the end, she is still a teenager.
Overall, if you want a nice quick read or listen, I think this book makes for a good entrance in the mystery/thriller genre, though not actual young teenagers.
** special thanks to Netgalley & Tantor Audio for the ALC **
August 8, 2025
This one... it's my favorite. I have read every Bryce Moore book and I can honestly say they've just gotten better and better. All of his books have been super quick, spooky good times. I really enjoy the fact that his books are historical fiction because, after sci-fi horror, it's a favorite horror sub-genre.
October 10, 2025
This was a new genre for me, a historical YA thriller (horror?) it was dark and mysterious.
I really enjoyed the WWll era London during Hitler’s regime setting and the mystery aspect. I found the main character being 17 a bit unbelievable, so that’s really what is holding this back from being 4 ⭐️, but I am intrigued enough to try another book from this author. 3.5 ⭐️
I really enjoyed the WWll era London during Hitler’s regime setting and the mystery aspect. I found the main character being 17 a bit unbelievable, so that’s really what is holding this back from being 4 ⭐️, but I am intrigued enough to try another book from this author. 3.5 ⭐️
dnf
August 7, 2025Just wasn't keeping my attention.
August 15, 2025
I dnf 25% it, I didn't like it as much as I wanted, the plot bored me as hell ,cuz for me I want to read something else ...sorry 😐
August 18, 2025
4.5 stars
January 4, 2026
I enjoyed the setting and historical main character, Mary Churchill. However the book dragged in places and could’ve easily been 50 pages shorter.
October 18, 2025
For the reviewers who think this is inappropriate for older YA teen audiences, it’s par for the course with true crime podcasts and Criminal Minds and wherever the youth are getting their true crime-inspired media these days. Violent horror and slashers are a popular teen genre. This is hardly abnormal fodder.
Anyways, Mary Churchill is annoying as hell, this book is repetitive and formulaic, the nightmare/crime flashbacks read like the cringey thoughts of a privileged girl/middle aged man author. All the cops are surprisingly chill about Winston Churchill’s daughter running around wartorn London “solving” serial killings. The feminism and “I can do anything a man can do” elements aren’t earned and I found myself rooting for the bobbies (shockingly). Nothing worse than a rich, famous bratty teen attempting your job with no experience and then stumbling into the answer while berating you constantly. She’s not even Nancy Drew level smart or calculating. Everyone tells her not to throw her name around and to use it wisely but she literally tells everyone who she is if they ask.
There are so few real suspects. The villain literally introduces himself to Mary and the second he shows up, I was like oh it’s him. Every other suspect is basically there to supervise her. She does a terrible job. The sex workers are weirdly open and honest and trusting of this random rich girl- seems unlikely. The cops are portrayed as inept, although that’s likely just Mary’s naïveté. She doesn’t really show maturity, growth, or an ounce of sense by the end. She’s self-admittedly tiny and thinks she’ll overtake a soldier serial killer by herself with no training or weapons. And wandering around war ravaged London in the dark at night and just assuming she’ll stumble upon the killer??
How come no one can tell the difference between a cop uniform and a solider uniform? She doesn’t realize people can change clothes or wear a disguise or take off their glasses? She suspects pretty much any man in a uniform she sees outside so she was bound to be right eventually
Winston Churchill is also pretty chill about everything. His daughter just admitted to seeing a horrifyingly murdered corpse of someone she knew and he’s telling jokes? Seems beyond stiff upper lip and just…bizarre? The mom is portrayed as a shrewish witch for not letting her 17 year old daughter …run around at night during the bombings hunting a serial killer???
The ending is very much And They All Clapped. She basically stumbles across the answer and steals the bragging rights about solving it from a victim. Eat the rich.
Anyways, Mary Churchill is annoying as hell, this book is repetitive and formulaic, the nightmare/crime flashbacks read like the cringey thoughts of a privileged girl/middle aged man author. All the cops are surprisingly chill about Winston Churchill’s daughter running around wartorn London “solving” serial killings. The feminism and “I can do anything a man can do” elements aren’t earned and I found myself rooting for the bobbies (shockingly). Nothing worse than a rich, famous bratty teen attempting your job with no experience and then stumbling into the answer while berating you constantly. She’s not even Nancy Drew level smart or calculating. Everyone tells her not to throw her name around and to use it wisely but she literally tells everyone who she is if they ask.
There are so few real suspects. The villain literally introduces himself to Mary and the second he shows up, I was like oh it’s him. Every other suspect is basically there to supervise her. She does a terrible job. The sex workers are weirdly open and honest and trusting of this random rich girl- seems unlikely. The cops are portrayed as inept, although that’s likely just Mary’s naïveté. She doesn’t really show maturity, growth, or an ounce of sense by the end. She’s self-admittedly tiny and thinks she’ll overtake a soldier serial killer by herself with no training or weapons. And wandering around war ravaged London in the dark at night and just assuming she’ll stumble upon the killer??
How come no one can tell the difference between a cop uniform and a solider uniform? She doesn’t realize people can change clothes or wear a disguise or take off their glasses? She suspects pretty much any man in a uniform she sees outside so she was bound to be right eventually
Winston Churchill is also pretty chill about everything. His daughter just admitted to seeing a horrifyingly murdered corpse of someone she knew and he’s telling jokes? Seems beyond stiff upper lip and just…bizarre? The mom is portrayed as a shrewish witch for not letting her 17 year old daughter …run around at night during the bombings hunting a serial killer???
The ending is very much And They All Clapped. She basically stumbles across the answer and steals the bragging rights about solving it from a victim. Eat the rich.
March 14, 2025
Thank you Netgalley and Sourcebooks Fire for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Bryce Moore’s “Death in the Dark” is a gripping historical thriller set against the backdrop of World War II’s London Blitz. Loosely inspired by true events, the story follows seventeen-year-old Mary Churchill, the daughter of Prime Minister Winston Churchill, as she takes it upon herself to track down a brutal serial killer known as the Blackout Ripper. With historical intrigue, a chilling murder mystery, and a fast-paced climax, this book offers an immersive yet unsettling read.
One of the book’s most compelling aspects is its historical setting. Moore vividly captures the fear and devastation of London during the Blitz, incorporating real details like air raids, blackouts, and the ever-present gas masks. Each chapter opens with snippets from The Daily Mirror and Mary’s journal, grounding the story in both fact and personal perspective. The book also explores a lesser-known serial killer case, making it stand out among other historical mysteries. While I think this book would work really well for high school students, especially if paired with a unit about this specific time period, there is some graphic imagery with the deaths of the victims, which may not be suitable for some classrooms.
Mary is a determined and headstrong protagonist, but she is also reckless and naive, often making decisions that put her in unnecessary danger. Her involvement with Scotland Yard stretches believability, particularly given her status as Churchill’s daughter. While this element feels historically implausible, it does add to the book’s high stakes and suspense. Mary’s motivation is rooted in her frustration at feeling powerless during wartime, but at times, her privileged and impulsive nature makes her difficult to connect with. Her mother emerges as a strong secondary character, serving as the voice of reason in contrast to Mary’s rash decisions.
The mystery itself is dark and gruesome. As stated earlier, the murder scenes are graphically detailed, making this book more suitable for older readers. While the killer’s identity is somewhat predictable, their connection to the war adds a unique and disturbing layer to the story. The book’s climax is fast-paced and intense, delivering a satisfying, if somewhat harrowing, conclusion.
Moore provides a detailed historical note at the end, clarifying which elements of the story were inspired by true events. This adds depth to the novel and may encourage readers to further explore the history of the Blackout Ripper.
Overall, “Death in the Dark” is a compelling blend of historical fiction and serial killer thriller. While Mary’s role in the investigation requires some suspension of disbelief, the atmospheric setting, chilling murders, and fast-paced storytelling make this an engaging read for fans of dark historical mysteries.
Bryce Moore’s “Death in the Dark” is a gripping historical thriller set against the backdrop of World War II’s London Blitz. Loosely inspired by true events, the story follows seventeen-year-old Mary Churchill, the daughter of Prime Minister Winston Churchill, as she takes it upon herself to track down a brutal serial killer known as the Blackout Ripper. With historical intrigue, a chilling murder mystery, and a fast-paced climax, this book offers an immersive yet unsettling read.
One of the book’s most compelling aspects is its historical setting. Moore vividly captures the fear and devastation of London during the Blitz, incorporating real details like air raids, blackouts, and the ever-present gas masks. Each chapter opens with snippets from The Daily Mirror and Mary’s journal, grounding the story in both fact and personal perspective. The book also explores a lesser-known serial killer case, making it stand out among other historical mysteries. While I think this book would work really well for high school students, especially if paired with a unit about this specific time period, there is some graphic imagery with the deaths of the victims, which may not be suitable for some classrooms.
Mary is a determined and headstrong protagonist, but she is also reckless and naive, often making decisions that put her in unnecessary danger. Her involvement with Scotland Yard stretches believability, particularly given her status as Churchill’s daughter. While this element feels historically implausible, it does add to the book’s high stakes and suspense. Mary’s motivation is rooted in her frustration at feeling powerless during wartime, but at times, her privileged and impulsive nature makes her difficult to connect with. Her mother emerges as a strong secondary character, serving as the voice of reason in contrast to Mary’s rash decisions.
The mystery itself is dark and gruesome. As stated earlier, the murder scenes are graphically detailed, making this book more suitable for older readers. While the killer’s identity is somewhat predictable, their connection to the war adds a unique and disturbing layer to the story. The book’s climax is fast-paced and intense, delivering a satisfying, if somewhat harrowing, conclusion.
Moore provides a detailed historical note at the end, clarifying which elements of the story were inspired by true events. This adds depth to the novel and may encourage readers to further explore the history of the Blackout Ripper.
Overall, “Death in the Dark” is a compelling blend of historical fiction and serial killer thriller. While Mary’s role in the investigation requires some suspension of disbelief, the atmospheric setting, chilling murders, and fast-paced storytelling make this an engaging read for fans of dark historical mysteries.
July 30, 2025
A fictional retelling of the 'blackout ripper', a real life murderer. The choice to have Mary Churchill be the main character was a little odd, but it helped explain why people took her even a little seriously and it was needed due to her age.
Each chapter starts with a quote from either a diary or a newspaper. I'm not sure if those are historical 'real' quotes, but either way its a delightful little touch that adds context to the story and an awareness of the wider world.
It was really hard to connect to Mary, she's only 17, but she comes across as younger. I found myself rolling my eyes at her behaviour - she does come across as arrogant, whiny and utterly unaware of how much danger she was really in. It was as if, even at the end, she thought this some kind of game, and like the killer said, that her parents would swoop in if things got too bad for her. I admired her determination but the fact that a 'friend' had been killed seemed to have quickly been forgotten by her. It would have made more sense if she'd spoken of that, rather than complain she wasn't a man and couldn't go shoot things so she had to do this instead.
I found some of the depictions a little graphic for what is meant to be a YA - its a dark setting, a dark story and I have no issue with the content itself, but my expectations were shaped by the YA tag, so I wasn't prepared for how gory it got. This is an adult book with a young adult main character.
The ending was a little rushed, I would have liked more on what happened after, of the book explaining certain things - our killer had an alibi for the first two murders, and it was never explained if he had faked the alibi or if they had nothing to do with him.
I couldn't connect to the narrator this time, her voices were very similar and it was hard at times to work out what character was talking - the sergeant was a notable exception. She didn't try to do a Churchill accent for the man himself and somehow that threw me out of the story every time he came on the scene.
A decent enough story that belong in adult historical fiction.
~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review~
Each chapter starts with a quote from either a diary or a newspaper. I'm not sure if those are historical 'real' quotes, but either way its a delightful little touch that adds context to the story and an awareness of the wider world.
It was really hard to connect to Mary, she's only 17, but she comes across as younger. I found myself rolling my eyes at her behaviour - she does come across as arrogant, whiny and utterly unaware of how much danger she was really in. It was as if, even at the end, she thought this some kind of game, and like the killer said, that her parents would swoop in if things got too bad for her. I admired her determination but the fact that a 'friend' had been killed seemed to have quickly been forgotten by her. It would have made more sense if she'd spoken of that, rather than complain she wasn't a man and couldn't go shoot things so she had to do this instead.
I found some of the depictions a little graphic for what is meant to be a YA - its a dark setting, a dark story and I have no issue with the content itself, but my expectations were shaped by the YA tag, so I wasn't prepared for how gory it got. This is an adult book with a young adult main character.
The ending was a little rushed, I would have liked more on what happened after, of the book explaining certain things - our killer had an alibi for the first two murders, and it was never explained if he had faked the alibi or if they had nothing to do with him.
I couldn't connect to the narrator this time, her voices were very similar and it was hard at times to work out what character was talking - the sergeant was a notable exception. She didn't try to do a Churchill accent for the man himself and somehow that threw me out of the story every time he came on the scene.
A decent enough story that belong in adult historical fiction.
~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review~
August 21, 2025
Sometimes I forget how much I enjoy a historical mystery, especially when it is set in London. And although this is technically a Young Adult book, I felt it reached outside the typical YA tropes and can stand up against many adult titles similar in plot and theme.
Mary Churchill (yes, her dad is Winston), wants nothing more than to contribute to the fight against Hitler like many of her friends. However, being a 17-year-old female doesn't provide her with much opportunity to do so. Mary goes out one night and meets a woman in a club and ends up striking up a lengthy conversation with her. Mary feels connected to the woman and is very upset the next morning when she finds her murdered. Mary becomes frustrated because she feels that due to the war, the police do not have the staff to investigate this murder, and several subsequent related murders, sufficiently, so she starts investigating on her own. Can Mary find out who is doing the killing without getting killed herself? Will her mother find out what she is doing and pack her up and send her back to the country? And will the police, who initially were humoring her and "letting" her help realize just because she is 17 doesn't mean she doesn't have a good head on her shoulders?
I really liked Mary as a character. She was smart, headstrong and showed a lot of initiative. She feels like she should also contribute to the war efforts and does what she can to do her share any way she can. The murder mystery kept me interested and wasn't overly predictable. I also liked the war elements that were worked in. The bombings and atmosphere around the Blitz definitely added to the creepiness of the murder mystery.
I have seen several books by this author, but this is the first I picked up. I will most certainly check out more in the future. When reading this, I kind of compared it to a YA Veronica Speedwell book so if that's your forte, consider this one as well. Oh, and as a plus - no romance. Not that I'm opposed to that, but it would have felt contrived with this book and I'm glad the author didn't go there.
Mary Churchill (yes, her dad is Winston), wants nothing more than to contribute to the fight against Hitler like many of her friends. However, being a 17-year-old female doesn't provide her with much opportunity to do so. Mary goes out one night and meets a woman in a club and ends up striking up a lengthy conversation with her. Mary feels connected to the woman and is very upset the next morning when she finds her murdered. Mary becomes frustrated because she feels that due to the war, the police do not have the staff to investigate this murder, and several subsequent related murders, sufficiently, so she starts investigating on her own. Can Mary find out who is doing the killing without getting killed herself? Will her mother find out what she is doing and pack her up and send her back to the country? And will the police, who initially were humoring her and "letting" her help realize just because she is 17 doesn't mean she doesn't have a good head on her shoulders?
I really liked Mary as a character. She was smart, headstrong and showed a lot of initiative. She feels like she should also contribute to the war efforts and does what she can to do her share any way she can. The murder mystery kept me interested and wasn't overly predictable. I also liked the war elements that were worked in. The bombings and atmosphere around the Blitz definitely added to the creepiness of the murder mystery.
I have seen several books by this author, but this is the first I picked up. I will most certainly check out more in the future. When reading this, I kind of compared it to a YA Veronica Speedwell book so if that's your forte, consider this one as well. Oh, and as a plus - no romance. Not that I'm opposed to that, but it would have felt contrived with this book and I'm glad the author didn't go there.
August 1, 2025
17-year-old Mary Churchill, daughter of Prime Minister Winston Churchill, finds the strangled body of an acquaintance after a night on the town. When the police let slip that the investigation will probably suffer due to staffing problems during the war she decides to take matters into her own hands. Soon she realizes that more women have been murdered in a similar manner and things take an even more sinister turn, when the Jack-the-Ripper like murderer takes notice of her investigations...
I'm quite conflicted on this story. The premise is solid, the story is mostly tense and still - I rolled my eyes quite a lot and was bored on more than one occasion.
Mary is quite naive and reckless due to being 17 years old. She makes so, so many bad decisions I wanted to cry. Many of them would have been plausible if she did this whole thing all on her own, but her father is supportive and she actually has the help of the police. Backup is right there girl! Use it!
The writing is quite graphic in places (especially the part in the POV of the woman being murdered!) , so much so that I don't think that this book is suitable for the younger end of YA range. 16 and up seems appropriate.
I absolutely love the creepy cover of this book and really enjoyed the narration by Clare Staniforth. She gave Mary a very fitting voice and kept the tense atmosphere dark and threatening. The air raid moments were chilling.
All in all this book is incongruous in my opinion. I would have enjoyed it more with an older protagonist (24ish), with no or reluctant help from the police and the current graphic descriptions or with the current protagonist who uses her connections better (and makes better choices) and ends up confronting the murderer alone despite this with some more mild descriptions of violence.
Maybe I'm just not in the right demographic for this book.
3,25⭐
Thanks to Netgalley and Tantor Audio for the download of this audiobook!
I'm quite conflicted on this story. The premise is solid, the story is mostly tense and still - I rolled my eyes quite a lot and was bored on more than one occasion.
Mary is quite naive and reckless due to being 17 years old. She makes so, so many bad decisions I wanted to cry. Many of them would have been plausible if she did this whole thing all on her own, but her father is supportive and she actually has the help of the police. Backup is right there girl! Use it!
The writing is quite graphic in places (especially the part in the POV of the woman being murdered!) , so much so that I don't think that this book is suitable for the younger end of YA range. 16 and up seems appropriate.
I absolutely love the creepy cover of this book and really enjoyed the narration by Clare Staniforth. She gave Mary a very fitting voice and kept the tense atmosphere dark and threatening. The air raid moments were chilling.
All in all this book is incongruous in my opinion. I would have enjoyed it more with an older protagonist (24ish), with no or reluctant help from the police and the current graphic descriptions or with the current protagonist who uses her connections better (and makes better choices) and ends up confronting the murderer alone despite this with some more mild descriptions of violence.
Maybe I'm just not in the right demographic for this book.
3,25⭐
Thanks to Netgalley and Tantor Audio for the download of this audiobook!
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December 1, 2025
At only 17 years old Mary Churchill, yes daughter of Prime Minister Winston Churchill, envelopes herself in an investigation into a recent killing spree that is targeting women after her new acquaintance Evelyn is killed. Of course, this is set during the early years of World War II and the Nazis are blitzing 1939 London with bombs each night. Treated more like a nuances then a help initially, Mary continues to put herself further and further into danger in her quest for answers. When her luck runs out and she comes face to face with a killer, who wins?
If you're a historical fiction snob like I am there are pieces of Death in the Dark that will irk you. Set in 1939 London, there are American terms used throughout the story. That said, it's an interesting historical fiction piece which focuses on a Jake the Ripper like serial killer as the focal point. The story is detailed with many twists and turns that I enjoyed, alongside the backdrop of the Blitz era.
Narrated by Clare Staniforth, this audiobook was an easy listen. Staniforth does a good job at capturing the sound of Mary; a complex teenager who comes from a wealthy family, yet still can move within common people without an issue. She also captures the naiveness needed for a 17 year old teenager to think she can go toe to toe with a serial killer. I was able to listen to the audiobook at several speeds which is a plus.
Thank you Sourcebooks Fire & Tantor Media for the gifted copy.
If you're a historical fiction snob like I am there are pieces of Death in the Dark that will irk you. Set in 1939 London, there are American terms used throughout the story. That said, it's an interesting historical fiction piece which focuses on a Jake the Ripper like serial killer as the focal point. The story is detailed with many twists and turns that I enjoyed, alongside the backdrop of the Blitz era.
Narrated by Clare Staniforth, this audiobook was an easy listen. Staniforth does a good job at capturing the sound of Mary; a complex teenager who comes from a wealthy family, yet still can move within common people without an issue. She also captures the naiveness needed for a 17 year old teenager to think she can go toe to toe with a serial killer. I was able to listen to the audiobook at several speeds which is a plus.
Thank you Sourcebooks Fire & Tantor Media for the gifted copy.
January 9, 2025
Seventeen year old Mary Churchill, daughter of Prime Minister Winston Churchill, spends time in London during the Blitz. When Mary stumbles upon a dead woman's body in a bomb shelter and it's clear she was murdered, Mary decides to try to help Scotland Yard figure out who killed her. This investigation quickly escalates as a new woman is murdered each night, and Mary is determined to bring their killer to justice.
I like the way that Bryce Moore tackles historical serial killers that are far less known than the more recent ones. His horror is a nice blend between historical fiction and serial murder. That being said, this isn't one I can purchase for my high school collection because the murder scenes are just too descriptive. I'm pretty sure Moore took liberties with Mary Churchill's involvement of the case and this is the part that I truly struggled with. It was wholly unbelievable to me that a seventeen year old girl would be allowed to help the police, especially being the daughter of Winston Churchill. I also think that the character read as older than seventeen while also being incredibly naive. I just didn't buy into her character. A good read, but not one for my high school population.
I read an ARC from Edelweiss.
I like the way that Bryce Moore tackles historical serial killers that are far less known than the more recent ones. His horror is a nice blend between historical fiction and serial murder. That being said, this isn't one I can purchase for my high school collection because the murder scenes are just too descriptive. I'm pretty sure Moore took liberties with Mary Churchill's involvement of the case and this is the part that I truly struggled with. It was wholly unbelievable to me that a seventeen year old girl would be allowed to help the police, especially being the daughter of Winston Churchill. I also think that the character read as older than seventeen while also being incredibly naive. I just didn't buy into her character. A good read, but not one for my high school population.
I read an ARC from Edelweiss.
September 20, 2025
Death in the Dark by Bryce Moore
Mary Churchill is 17 and feeling hopeless in London during the war. During a night out she meets a nice lady and they become friends. Agreeing to meet the next morning, Mary walks to meet Evelyn.. On the way she finds her… Murdered.
Going to the police is useless with the war so she offers her help… Trouble is the more she learns, the more danger she puts herself in.
OOHH This book has Jack the Ripper vibes in the best possible way! Can you imagine searching for a serial killer while bombings are happening all around you? YIKES!! The book is so well written and clever. Tying in real historical figures and making it into a horror… Sign me up!
I liked the character of Mary Churchill. I don’t know how much of the character is based on the real person but I do know Mary was quite the woman and during the war, joined the red cross and other organizations so the chances are the author probably had a fair idea of who she was.
The book was dark AF! It was well written and creepy. I loved the narration too! The story did fall off in spots but all in all it was a really well done book.
I was thoroughly entertained.
4 stars
Mary Churchill is 17 and feeling hopeless in London during the war. During a night out she meets a nice lady and they become friends. Agreeing to meet the next morning, Mary walks to meet Evelyn.. On the way she finds her… Murdered.
Going to the police is useless with the war so she offers her help… Trouble is the more she learns, the more danger she puts herself in.
OOHH This book has Jack the Ripper vibes in the best possible way! Can you imagine searching for a serial killer while bombings are happening all around you? YIKES!! The book is so well written and clever. Tying in real historical figures and making it into a horror… Sign me up!
I liked the character of Mary Churchill. I don’t know how much of the character is based on the real person but I do know Mary was quite the woman and during the war, joined the red cross and other organizations so the chances are the author probably had a fair idea of who she was.
The book was dark AF! It was well written and creepy. I loved the narration too! The story did fall off in spots but all in all it was a really well done book.
I was thoroughly entertained.
4 stars
June 21, 2025
Bombs, air raid sirens, blackouts and a killer on the loose - London during the Blitz. The PM's daughter Mary Churchill takes after her father in refusing to play it safe especially when her new friend is found brutally murdered. Using the family name, Mary is able to get information and into places most people would not but that also makes her a target for the killer. Based on a Ripper-like serial killer that existed in London during WWII and the very real daughter of Winston Churchill, this story weaves historical events into a frightening scenario and riveting murder mystery. Written for young adult audiences this story does involve savage murders and brutality to women as well as extreme violence so keep this in mind before giving this to young readers. It will appeal to teens and adults particularly those who are enjoying the trend of historical mysteries involving well known historical figures. My thanks to the publisher for the advance copy.
August 2, 2025
Yes this book is good but, i'm not sure why this is marketed as a YA book- this is very graphic so read with caution.
Mary Churchill is a 17 year old girl whose dad is the prime minister- with that her parents have her under lock and key to protect her. During the war there is a serial killer running rampant in the streets. With the cops focused on the war it leaves many crimes unsolved and put to the bottom of the priority list. When Mary meets an older woman one night they instantly click and agree to meet the next morning. As Mary is on her way to meet her she discovers her mutilated dead body which sends Mary into a frenzy to solve her case. When more women's bodies start showing up the clock is ticking for Mary to catch the killer.
overall this book was really good just deducting some points because i don't feel this is a suitable YA read.
Thank you to the publishers and netgalley for the ARC!
Mary Churchill is a 17 year old girl whose dad is the prime minister- with that her parents have her under lock and key to protect her. During the war there is a serial killer running rampant in the streets. With the cops focused on the war it leaves many crimes unsolved and put to the bottom of the priority list. When Mary meets an older woman one night they instantly click and agree to meet the next morning. As Mary is on her way to meet her she discovers her mutilated dead body which sends Mary into a frenzy to solve her case. When more women's bodies start showing up the clock is ticking for Mary to catch the killer.
overall this book was really good just deducting some points because i don't feel this is a suitable YA read.
Thank you to the publishers and netgalley for the ARC!
August 3, 2025
Actual rating: 3.75 stars
*I got an advanced copy of this book from both Netgally and a physical copy from a book convention. All opinions are my own*
I did not know going into this book that it was a retelling the real life serial killer, the Blackout Ripper (Gordon Cummins). I had never heard of him until after reading this book. As someone who is into true crime and learning about serial killers, I knew I would enjoy this book.
I did struggle with the first person perspective, but that isn't exclusive to this book as I tend to stay away from first person in general. I have been trying to read more first person though and I think this is a good one.
I do think the book was a bit graphic for the target YA audience. I would have recommended toning down the graphic bits a little or having the target audience be new adult or even rewriting it a little to be an adult book.
Overall, this was a good book.
*I got an advanced copy of this book from both Netgally and a physical copy from a book convention. All opinions are my own*
I did not know going into this book that it was a retelling the real life serial killer, the Blackout Ripper (Gordon Cummins). I had never heard of him until after reading this book. As someone who is into true crime and learning about serial killers, I knew I would enjoy this book.
I did struggle with the first person perspective, but that isn't exclusive to this book as I tend to stay away from first person in general. I have been trying to read more first person though and I think this is a good one.
I do think the book was a bit graphic for the target YA audience. I would have recommended toning down the graphic bits a little or having the target audience be new adult or even rewriting it a little to be an adult book.
Overall, this was a good book.
November 9, 2025
This historical fiction set during WWII in London is inspired by Jack the Ripper murders so you can imagine some 'unpleasantness'. With the air raids daily, blackouts nightly, and young men off in service to their country the police are often too overwhelmed and undermanned to keep up with "regular" crimes. Then we meet young Mary Churchill, who befriends a woman who she plans to meet up with the next day-only the woman never shows. When Mary goes searching she finds her brutally murdered and takes it upon herself to investigate these "Blackout Murders". A bit far fetched that a 17 year old daughter of the prime minister is allowed into crime scenes and interrogates witnesses, but if you can suspend your disbelief you'll be able to enjoy a mystery that also gives you some perspective about life during the Blitz of London. Though the protagonist is a teen, this is definitely not a YA book.
May 23, 2025
Content warning: violence against women, murder, strangulation, bombing
I wonder what Mary Churchill would have thought about starring in a murder mystery as a teenager. I also did “ruin” the mystery aspect by looking up the history on this case so that took away some of the suspense for me.
It’s interesting that this is the second of Moore’s books inspired by an Erik Larson book (not sure how I feel about that). And while I see where Moore was going with using Mary as the protagonist, I found it hard to believe based on her actions and maturity throughout the plot that she was supposed to be only 17, her character definitely reads as mid-20s more than teen.
The case itself was a good one - and a piece of WWII history I didn’t know about prior.
Advanced Reader’s Copy provided by Sourcebooks Fire in exchange for an honest review.
I wonder what Mary Churchill would have thought about starring in a murder mystery as a teenager. I also did “ruin” the mystery aspect by looking up the history on this case so that took away some of the suspense for me.
It’s interesting that this is the second of Moore’s books inspired by an Erik Larson book (not sure how I feel about that). And while I see where Moore was going with using Mary as the protagonist, I found it hard to believe based on her actions and maturity throughout the plot that she was supposed to be only 17, her character definitely reads as mid-20s more than teen.
The case itself was a good one - and a piece of WWII history I didn’t know about prior.
Advanced Reader’s Copy provided by Sourcebooks Fire in exchange for an honest review.
July 26, 2025
Thank you to Tantor Audio/Media for approving me for the audiobook via Netgalley.
Overall I would give this book a 3.75. I enjoyed this historical thriller, based in elements of true crime. The story was interesting and I was pretty hooked. I have seen people give a negative of the content in the book as it's marketed as YA. I didn't have an issue with this, as I read books that were above my age range as a kid and teen. This aside, I do believe warnings should be posted at start of book/audiobook. There was something about the MFC that I just didn't fully connect with, I am not 100% sure what it was. The book in the style it's written is very much along the lines of AGGGTM and Eleanor Jones is Not a Murderer, but based during WW2. I would recommend as was interesting but just be aware of content.
Overall I would give this book a 3.75. I enjoyed this historical thriller, based in elements of true crime. The story was interesting and I was pretty hooked. I have seen people give a negative of the content in the book as it's marketed as YA. I didn't have an issue with this, as I read books that were above my age range as a kid and teen. This aside, I do believe warnings should be posted at start of book/audiobook. There was something about the MFC that I just didn't fully connect with, I am not 100% sure what it was. The book in the style it's written is very much along the lines of AGGGTM and Eleanor Jones is Not a Murderer, but based during WW2. I would recommend as was interesting but just be aware of content.
November 4, 2025
Content warnings: murder, violence, stalking, war, explosions, strangulation, graphic descriptions of dead bodies
3.5 stars
I've read all of Moore's previous books and I think this might be my least favourite?? Don't get me wrong, it's still a story worth telling. But shoehorning Churchill's daughter into the story kind of grated when you could easily have had a teenage girl who's in the WAAF or the daughter of a police officer or a trainee nurse or the next door neighbour of one of the victims. Like, yes, it gave her access to the case and it gave the police a reason to believe her and allow her access to places she shouldn't have been. But there are ways and means for a fictional character to have that same access.
Anyway. This was a little dry compared to The Perfect Place to Die especially. I still enjoyed it. But it dragged more than that did, that's for sure.
3.5 stars
I've read all of Moore's previous books and I think this might be my least favourite?? Don't get me wrong, it's still a story worth telling. But shoehorning Churchill's daughter into the story kind of grated when you could easily have had a teenage girl who's in the WAAF or the daughter of a police officer or a trainee nurse or the next door neighbour of one of the victims. Like, yes, it gave her access to the case and it gave the police a reason to believe her and allow her access to places she shouldn't have been. But there are ways and means for a fictional character to have that same access.
Anyway. This was a little dry compared to The Perfect Place to Die especially. I still enjoyed it. But it dragged more than that did, that's for sure.
June 4, 2025
This is an interesting historical murder mystery mash up. The author used some real events as the basis of the story--a series of murders that took place in WWII era London. The main character is Mary Churchill, daughter of the prime minister. While it is tough to believe that 17 year old Mary would be allowed to participate in an actual murder investigation, if you can suspend that disbelief (it is fiction), it is a decent story of detective work and crime scenes from that time. Mary is a "plucky" character whose deductions come a bit slowly, but as her knowledge of the crimes builds, so does the reader's. It's worth reading the author's notes to find out more about this crime wave, as well. A somewhat gruesome, but quick and easy mystery.
Thanks to Sourcebooks for the ARC!
Thanks to Sourcebooks for the ARC!
June 9, 2025
This author does not disappoint. I really enjoy his work. The whole story premise is incredibly suspenseful to begin with. One can't really have a better backdrop than the Blitz. The details of the time period made me feel like I was there. Includes a ton of action, so even though the protagonist is a female, I feel like most boys will enjoy this as well. There's also a nicely depicted theme about those with more power and privilege and those who are marginalized-something that really ought to be dicussed thoroughly in social studies classes. Beyond that, the controlled pacing of suspense will definitly be a useful example in ELA classes. Tightly written, well done, and much to discuss here. Students and teachers will enjoy this one.
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