These Dark Days: A Psychological Thriller

by Madison Boyd

Every photographer knows the perfect shot is about timing. About waiting for just the right moment. Eden Shaw never imagined she'd become someone else's perfect shot.

When Eden ventures into Pisgah National Forest to capture autumn colors for her magazine assignment, she doesn't expect to encounter Leo - a man whose precision extends far beyond his military background. His cabin in the remote mountains seems like a fortunate shelter when she's injured on the trail. But as days pass, Eden realizes the accident that brought her there wasn't an accident at all.

Behind the cabin's orderly exterior lies a basement filled with photographs of women who share her features. Women who disappeared without a trace. As a winter storm bears down on the mountains, Eden must use every skill she possesses to escape a man whose perfectionism masks a deadly obsession.

But Leo's meticulous nature isn't just about control - it's about collection. And Eden is his masterpiece.
In this haunting psychological thriller, survival depends on breaking free from a killer's precisely ordered world before becoming another carefully preserved specimen in his gallery of the lost. But in a blizzard that erases all traces of escape, perfection may be deadly.

Genres: Thriller, Fiction, Ebooks, Suspense

187 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 28, 2024

Reviews

[Tayler Ticehurst · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m so sorry but if I ever see the word “precise” or any other variation of the word (precisely, precision, military precision, measured precision) anytime soon, I may actually need to seek serious therapy
Someone had to have read this and said babe, surely there’s another word we can use here or maybe we don’t need to use it so much

We get it!!!! The man was obsessive compulsive, it was mentioned in the first chapter 300 times so trust me, we got it, we didn’t need to have his “measured, controlled, military precision, clinical, rehearsed,” movements and words described that way (and I mean described, every single time, in those EXACT same words) every single time the man took a breath

And can a book be too descriptive? I think after reading this, yes, yes it can be, especially when every single movement or sentence was accompanied by a description or simile and 70% of them were related to photography. We also get it, the girl was a photographer, it was also mentioned 300 times in the first chapter

The storyline was actually really good, I would have enjoyed the story but my eye started twitching every time I saw the word precise, I even started twitching when I saw the letters P and R together in other words, thinking the word precise was coming for the millionth time

The storyline was good and I really would’ve enjoyed reading it but the repetitive usage of the same words and sentences was super off putting and I don’t know if it was done on purpose and it was supposed to be written this way but it was super difficult to read

[Anita · Rating 3 out of 5]

So, this is more like a novella - not that long (which is a good thing). I liked the idea of it but I was regularly thrown off by the repetition - for example, she uses the term "makes my skin crawl" so often that I was relieved when I actually got through a paragraph without that phrase. I mean, if ever someone could've used an editor, this was it. At times the writing was okay but other times I just wanted to hand this author a thesaurus. Sadly, this lazy writing became a distraction from the story itself.
Other than that, I am glad that this was not longer - it didn't need to be - it's a simple and unoriginal plot - clever woman held captive by a crazy man. Overall - not a bad story - things happen as expected and the dog was a nice touch.

[Julie Larham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Real page turner

I couldn't read this quick enough. It was fast paced from the off and never let up.
Loved it.

Writing was so good, so descriptive, you could imagine her terror.

Will look out for more from this author, really good

[Hank Hoeft · Rating 3 out of 5]

These Dark Days, by Madison Boyd, is a psychological horror novel that succeeds, as far as it goes. I am reminded of a Roger Ebert movie review I once read, that said the movie in question wasn’t a great movie, but what the movie did, it did well. Ms. Boyd’s story has an interesting plot, an interesting protagonist, an interesting antagonist, and the pacing and action are workmanlike. Again remembering Siskel & Ebert and their movie reviews, Roger Ebert would always judge a movie on its own merits, based on what that particular movie was trying to accomplish, but Gene Siskel had a tendency to judge a movie based on what he thought it could have been, or should have been. I mention this because my main criticism is that this book only runs 183 pages, barely longer than a novella, so that doesn’t leave a whole lot of room for the author to explore the back stories of the two main characters. The Silence of the Lambs is deliciously gory, but it wouldn’t be as good a thriller if we didn’t get to peer into the minds of both Clarice Starling and “Buffalo Bill.” Likewise, I would have liked to have had more context, more insight into Eden and Leo, but that’s not the book Ms. Boyd wrote.

Another criticism I have is that the protagonist’s forebodings of menace and danger in regards to her supposed rescuer, happen immediately. Maybe Eden, a professional photographer who has been carefully trained by her father to be a highly skilled observer, really is that astute, but it seems to me the suspense could have been built more slowly—and ultimately to a greater pitch—if Eden’s apprehension grew gradually.

A final observation that is not intended as a criticism: Madison Boyd’s biographical information on Amazon states she is a writer of cozy mysteries. I assume that might be the reason she eschews crude and/or profane language in her writing. I for one appreciate that. Also, there is no sexual assault on Eden by Leo—I dare say most current writers of psychological horror and suspense would not show that much restraint, especially as Leo makes Eden sleep beside him in the same bed. I found this totally believable of Leo—a man who is as hyper-controlling and hyper-self-controlled as he is, would certainly wait for his “wedding day” to consummate his “marriage” to his “ideal wife,” whom he believes God sent to him.

Bottom line: These Dark Days is an entertaining way to pass a couple of hours. I have no major complaints, although I do wish it could have been lengthier so that we could have gotten into the minds of Eden and Leo more deeply.

[Seph · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5/5

Honestly speaking, the plot of the book was pretty interesting, but I couldn't really get invested until the 12th or 13th chapter. I understand that the repetitive nature of the narration was probably done on purpose to mirror the repetition and obsessiveness of the main antagonist but it was severely overdone. Seeing the word "precise" or any variation of it every other paragraph (no this is not an exaggeration) actually made me go a little insane. If I had to take a shot every time a word or phrase was repeated I would be blackout drunk a few times over. I just feel like showing instead of telling could've really saved this story.

Besides that, I really liked the chapters 12-20. The writing is descriptive and Eden's escape was thrilling. There was little to no repetition in these chapters unless Leo was involved/mentioned, which led me to believe it's done on purpose. Again, I understand, but I feel like the execution could've been better :(. Anyways, it was an overall good book if you overlook that little problem for 12 chapters.

[Lupita_333 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eden wakes up in clothes that isn’t hers at a strangers (Leo) home with no memory of how she got there and why she’s injured. Leo begins to act strange and controlling so Eden starts to suspect that he’s lying about what happened to her. Eden must find a way to uncover the truth before it’s too late.

I didn’t like Eden at first but as the story progressed I began to like her. What drew me to her was the incredible way she fought both mentally and physically to survive. There were so many moment where I was on the edge of my seat hoping for Eden to be saved. I also liked the epilogue and was left curious about that question that was left unanswered.

Eden and Lucky were my favorite characters in this book. I heated Leo due to him being evil and malicious.

Minus one star due to the overuse of a certain phrase / swords. There was also times that things were too over described.

Other than that I loved this book!

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book. I sat down and just read it non-stop.

I see a lot of people who have complained about the repetitive nature of the writing, I felt that it was an intentional choice. The main antagonist is repetitive by nature, the style of writing was to emulate that behavior. I felt that it was done to show the fluidity, passage of time, and how the repetition is what ultimately played a major part in the overall storyline. It lulls the reader into a sense of calm and safety (repetition can be soothing) and then shows you how dangerous that can be.

10/10 will read again and will recommend it.

[Jo Watson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has a chilling setting that perfectly heightens the sense of isolation and danger. Eden is a sympathetic protagonist, and the cat-and-mouse tension with Leo keeps the pages turning. While some of the writing can feel repetitive at times, the story itself is gripping enough to hold attention, and the snowy wilderness backdrop adds an extra layer of suspense. A solid read for fans of psychological thrillers who enjoy fast pacing and a sinister villain.

[Maureen Brennan · Rating 3 out of 5]

3* given for a decent storyline with an interesting bad guy but it was let down by the sheer word repetitiveness (if I never see the word precise again it will be too soon) which had me skipping paragraphs then pages and finally a few chapters! it was so irritating and could have been so easily remedied.

[Holly Bowman · Rating 2 out of 5]

I would’ve given this book another star if the author didn’t repeat the same similes over and over omg I’m not sure if she did it as a nod to the guy in the book or what but it was driving me insane….has anyone counted how many times she used the words tasted like ash?? Shewee!! Other than that I enjoyed it and liked the ending as well!!

[Gloria · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had such potential. However, it was so repetitive it drove me nuts. I mean the storyline was great and that’s the only reason I finished it but I mean in the very first paragraph she let us know this guy was a stickler for precision and order. But that wasn’t enough, it was tagged onto almost every thought through the book. WAY overkill on the authors part.

[Tommi Key · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just didn't do it for me.

These Dark Days had potential with its dark, moody premise, but it felt repetitive and lacking. The pacing dragged, the characters were hard to connect with, and while there were a few strong moments, the story fell flat and never delivered the impact I was hoping for.

[gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

dark days

I found this book to be slow in places but it is a great book with a good story line. The attempted escape was exciting and nerve wracking. I enjoyed this story very much. I will definitely read more books written by Madison Boyd.

[Andy Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good but a little repetitive

I thought the book was good, it was suspenseful and entertaining! It did get a little repetitive and drag on for a bit before the final plot thickens. But overall recommend for a light easy read!

[Mary Gebert · Rating 5 out of 5]

These Dark Days

This book kept me on pins and needles until the very end. I could not put it down! I highly recommend this book. I will be looking to read more books by Madison Boyd.

[Micky Parise · Rating 3 out of 5]

First time reading Madison Boyd and rather impressive. Writing style was great, except for the repetitive quotes in the beginning. So annoying. Characters were great and story line flowed nicely. Recommend.

[Chad McCormick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great story line, but I had a difficult time with the writing style. It was extremely repetitive which I believe the author was attempting to use to support the storyline, but that end of it fell flat for me. I’d love to see the same routine described differently at different points in the text.

[RigbyReads · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointed this was my first book of 2025. Way too repetitive, which would have been understandable if it came from the male characters POV but it became tedious after a third way in and only I finished it out of stubbornness.

[Donna Kaczynski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent psychological thriller

I liked how fast paced this book is. I think anybody that likes psychological thrillers, will enjoy this book, it keeps you guessing until the very end.

[Dawn Alexander · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a terrifying thriller keeping you on the edge of your seat . Edens strength , smarts and quick wits was enjoyable to read. Leo met his match by choosing her what he thinks is his sick dreams come true could be his down fall , also i love the ending and unseemingly hero.

[Pat Anderson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Needs work

The story was good but the words " precise" and "precision" were grossly overused. Also the phrase "made my skin crawl"l

[Allison Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

Incredibly repetitive writing style - made me crazy. Same words and phrases used over, and over, and then over again.

[Courtney Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Despite a lot of repetitive words and phrases, I did like this one.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slow getting into it but got better

[Bianca · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐️