Hidden in the Dark: A completely unputdownable and totally addictive crime thriller

by H K Christie

288 pages, Paperback

Published December 9, 2024

Reviews

[J Kromrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

"Hidden in the Dark" by H.K. Christie plunges readers into a relentless whirlwind of suspense and intrigue. As the third installment in the Val Costa series, it stands out for its tightly woven plot and masterful storytelling.

The protagonist, Val Costa, is a refreshing take on the crime thriller detective. She’s tenacious, intuitive, and deeply human, facing both professional hurdles and personal demons. Christie crafts her character with such depth and complexity that she feels real, making readers root for her with every twist and turn.

The plot of this story is a meticulously constructed puzzle. From the first page, the narrative tension is palpable, and Christie expertly balances action-packed sequences with moments of introspection and character development. Each chapter ends on a note that compels you to read "just one more," creating a genuinely unputdownable experience.

Christie’s knack for setting is commendable. The dark, atmospheric backdrops add an extra layer of tension and unease, making the stakes feel higher and the dangers more imminent. It’s clear that Christie has a sharp eye for detail, as every scene is rich with vivid descriptions that immerse readers in Val Costa’s world.

This novel tackles themes of trust, betrayal, and redemption in a manner that's both poignant and thought-provoking. The moral gray areas in which the characters operate make the story feel all the more real and gripping. Christie doesn’t shy away from exploring the darker aspects of human nature, making the reader question what they might do in similar situations.

"Hidden in the Dark" is a standout crime thriller that cements H.K. Christie’s status as a master of the genre. With its dynamic characters, relentless pace, and expertly crafted plot, it’s a must-read for anyone who loves a good mystery. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Val Costa or new to the series, this book will not disappoint. Prepare to be thoroughly captivated.

[VDKeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mike, Stephanie and 12 year old son, Michael, are enjoying a nice family dinner before heading out to Michael’s karate tournament when there’s a knock at the door. What follows will shake Red Rose County to its core and put Val Costa, Deputy Brady Tanner and their team on a trajectory with evil. Mike and Michael are killed at the scene and Stephanie is in the hospital fighting for her life. With very few clues to go on they are scrambling for answers. Is this a random act or is this a crime against them personally? Upon further investigation, they uncover facts that no one saw coming.

Well-crafted and textured characters, in depth world building, short chapters and multiple POVs contribute to an enjoyable story that is well-written and finely detailed with a plot that hooked me in from the start and held my interest until the very end.

Thank you to Bookouture for providing this copy via NetGalley for my honest, voluntary review.

#NetGalley #HiddenInTheDark

[Dwayne Keller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Officer Brady asks Val for help on another case, and it is a nasty one. A twelve year old boy, his mother, and father have all be shot. The dad was tortured too. Both Dad and son have died, and mother is in critical condition at the hospital – unknown if she will recover. Val, Brady, and the team start to investigate and initially find nothing out of the ordinary. They were a nice, quiet family that kept to themselves. But the more then dig, the more they find out that the dad had a shady past. Is his past coming back to haunt him, or was it a random attack, or something more recent. A great thriller mystery full of leads, clues, and surprises. Multiple points of view give a rounded view of the case. Enjoy this well written mystery.

[Corinne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Val Costa series. I really love this series and it’s just getting better and better. There is the main storyline and then the one that is running in the background from book 1 which I’m so invested in. This one moves at a steady pace and there are twists to keep you guessing. It’s a well developed storyline with well developed characters that are really coming into their own and I’m looking forward to what’s coming next. This has it all the current case, the friendships, the relationships and then the past. Really recommend this series.

Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review #HiddenInTheDark

[Bookbug_40 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic thriller 👌 I haven't read the others in the series, but it can be easily read as a standalone. Valerie Costa and Brady, they both made a great team in solving the crime. I would love to read more about their friendship turning into a relationship. Fast-paced chapters and gripping mystery until the end. Some suspense is left unsolved at the end, and it's intriguing to wait for the next book in the series. Excellent mystery thriller. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher, and the author for providing the eARC.

[T. Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hidden in The Dark
Another interesting Val Costa story! They have a murder to solve. This one kept the team hopping. A few twist and surprises waiting for the reader! Will Brady and Val ever realize they care for each other? We shall see maybe in the next book!

[Anne G. Kasaba · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of course they are all excellent. I like this series as much as the authors Martina McBride and Selena Bailey books. Check out all of them and I can guarantee you’ll be hooked!

I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.