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An Eye for an Eye: The Mallet Murders. A comedic dark murder mystery.
It’s not every day you find a body, an eyeball, and a litter tray in one room, but in a small Nova Scotia town, anything can happen!
Chaos unfolds in Yeovilton County as a doctor is found dead, one eye chillingly missing. While the authorities turn a blind eye to the mayhem, former detective Daryl Smith is determined to uncover the truth behind the gruesome killings. He joins forces with Yvonne Sparks, a brilliant profiler sidelined by her colleagues, and the pair begin the strangest homicide investigation of their lives. As events unfold, a twisted cat-loving serial killer emerges, brandishing a mallet and leaving a trail of chilling a missing eyeball, dismembered fingers, half-eaten cans of tuna, messages written in blood and vanishing purebred felines.
In this thrilling story, a quirky cast of characters takes center a one-eyed Chartreux cat, a scandalous mayor, a book club-obsessed police chief, a seductive cult leader, and a detective who prioritizes bias over his badge. At the core of it all is a cold-hearted killer who puts the well-being of his cats above everything else.
An Eye for an Eye is more than just a murder mystery; it’s a wild and darkly comedic journey that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The outrageous characters will shock you and have you laughing out loud.
“From a one-eyed cat to a cult leader with a secret, An Eye for an Eye will have you laughing in horror until the final twist.” Kerryn DuPlessis
Chaos unfolds in Yeovilton County as a doctor is found dead, one eye chillingly missing. While the authorities turn a blind eye to the mayhem, former detective Daryl Smith is determined to uncover the truth behind the gruesome killings. He joins forces with Yvonne Sparks, a brilliant profiler sidelined by her colleagues, and the pair begin the strangest homicide investigation of their lives. As events unfold, a twisted cat-loving serial killer emerges, brandishing a mallet and leaving a trail of chilling a missing eyeball, dismembered fingers, half-eaten cans of tuna, messages written in blood and vanishing purebred felines.
In this thrilling story, a quirky cast of characters takes center a one-eyed Chartreux cat, a scandalous mayor, a book club-obsessed police chief, a seductive cult leader, and a detective who prioritizes bias over his badge. At the core of it all is a cold-hearted killer who puts the well-being of his cats above everything else.
An Eye for an Eye is more than just a murder mystery; it’s a wild and darkly comedic journey that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The outrageous characters will shock you and have you laughing out loud.
“From a one-eyed cat to a cult leader with a secret, An Eye for an Eye will have you laughing in horror until the final twist.” Kerryn DuPlessis
314 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 14, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
January 15, 2025
Wow, where to begin with this? It's a surreal read, full of quirky and really strange characters which provide a lot of laugh out loud moments despite some really dark activities.
There's some vicious murders, a strange mandatory book club, some even stranger religious organisations and an incredible amount of cats. It was an easy read as I was totally intrigued throughout, thinking this surely can't get any stranger and of course I was so wrong! It is the first in a series apparently so if this is anything to go by, I can't wait to see what possibly follows this.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
There's some vicious murders, a strange mandatory book club, some even stranger religious organisations and an incredible amount of cats. It was an easy read as I was totally intrigued throughout, thinking this surely can't get any stranger and of course I was so wrong! It is the first in a series apparently so if this is anything to go by, I can't wait to see what possibly follows this.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 27, 2025
An Eye for an Eye: The Mallet Murders masterfully exposes the dysfunction, mediocrity, and deep-seated corruption within law enforcement. Set against the grim backdrop of Nova Scotia, a serial killer lurks while the police department, rife with apathy, treats the escalating murders as mere inconveniences. Chief Kennedy, preoccupied with his book club and personal escapades, displays a staggering lack of leadership, swiftly declaring homicides as suicides and shelving cases as cold. Yet, amidst this chaos, the narrative reassures readers that not all officers have succumbed to this moral decay; a few still hold onto their integrity.
One of the novel's standout qualities is its suspense. While employing dramatic irony, the author skillfully builds tension by weaving a web of mystery around the characters' connections. For instance, Chapter 19 introduces Bobby Bobbit, and Chapter 21 shifts focus to the Poskett family. These characters vanish from prominence for much of the story, reappearing only briefly. This subtle threading leaves the reader pondering their significance and questioning how they tie into Saul or the broader case. The author expertly sustains this intrigue until the final pages, making the resolution deeply satisfying.
The portrayal of the police department's shortcomings is scathing and incisive. More effort is spent scrutinizing Daryl's clerical error during his application than on investigating the string of murders gripping Nova Scotia. Chief Kennedy’s incompetence reaches absurd levels, as he prioritizes recruiting book enthusiasts over capable officers to bolster his book club. Investigations are laughably perfunctory; if no leads emerge within a mere 22 minutes, cases are abandoned and marked cold. This gross negligence breeds public mistrust, illustrating the chasm between law enforcement and the community they are supposed to protect.
The story evokes a visceral emotional response, ranging from anger and disgust to morbid curiosity. Chief Kennedy’s flippant remarks at Dr. Hussain’s crime scene—where he muses about re-election and lobster sales—cement him as a detestable figure. Scenes such as the brainstorming session about the killer, treated as a light-hearted joke, are equally infuriating. Despite this, the author elicits unexpected empathy for characters like Saul. A poignant example occurs when Saul, seeking justice, approaches the Skank family only to face harsh insults. Moments like these reveal the depth of the narrative, allowing readers to connect with Saul’s plight while simultaneously lamenting the environment he must navigate.
This novel is an excellent recommendation for fans of crime fiction, particularly those who enjoy titles like In a Place of Darkness by Stuart MacBride or The Wrong Hands by Mark Billingham. Readers who appreciate dramatic irony and are captivated by protagonists unraveling mysteries will find much to love here. Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions—anger, pity, and disgust—but be assured the gripping storytelling will keep you hooked until the very end.
One of the novel's standout qualities is its suspense. While employing dramatic irony, the author skillfully builds tension by weaving a web of mystery around the characters' connections. For instance, Chapter 19 introduces Bobby Bobbit, and Chapter 21 shifts focus to the Poskett family. These characters vanish from prominence for much of the story, reappearing only briefly. This subtle threading leaves the reader pondering their significance and questioning how they tie into Saul or the broader case. The author expertly sustains this intrigue until the final pages, making the resolution deeply satisfying.
The portrayal of the police department's shortcomings is scathing and incisive. More effort is spent scrutinizing Daryl's clerical error during his application than on investigating the string of murders gripping Nova Scotia. Chief Kennedy’s incompetence reaches absurd levels, as he prioritizes recruiting book enthusiasts over capable officers to bolster his book club. Investigations are laughably perfunctory; if no leads emerge within a mere 22 minutes, cases are abandoned and marked cold. This gross negligence breeds public mistrust, illustrating the chasm between law enforcement and the community they are supposed to protect.
The story evokes a visceral emotional response, ranging from anger and disgust to morbid curiosity. Chief Kennedy’s flippant remarks at Dr. Hussain’s crime scene—where he muses about re-election and lobster sales—cement him as a detestable figure. Scenes such as the brainstorming session about the killer, treated as a light-hearted joke, are equally infuriating. Despite this, the author elicits unexpected empathy for characters like Saul. A poignant example occurs when Saul, seeking justice, approaches the Skank family only to face harsh insults. Moments like these reveal the depth of the narrative, allowing readers to connect with Saul’s plight while simultaneously lamenting the environment he must navigate.
This novel is an excellent recommendation for fans of crime fiction, particularly those who enjoy titles like In a Place of Darkness by Stuart MacBride or The Wrong Hands by Mark Billingham. Readers who appreciate dramatic irony and are captivated by protagonists unraveling mysteries will find much to love here. Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions—anger, pity, and disgust—but be assured the gripping storytelling will keep you hooked until the very end.
January 30, 2025
What if a murder mystery could make you laugh?
Have you ever read a book so bizarre yet intriguing that you can’t decide whether to gasp in shock or laugh out loud?
This is exactly what this book An Eye for an Eye by Denny Darke, delivers an unexpected mix of dark comedy and thrilling suspense, making it one of the most unique murder mysteries I’ve come across.
This book is an unpredictable, witty, and wild ride.
The highlight for me was its ability to balance gruesome crime scenes with absurdly funny moments. The storyline is refreshingly unconventional, packed with eccentric characters and strange, twists that had me turning pages late into the night.
The author’s knack for blending humor with tension is truly commendable. Every scene felt like a vivid snapshot of chaos, humor, and mystery, all expertly woven together. The quirky characters and the odd, almost surreal situations make this book a standout.
This book is a must read for anyone who enjoys a mix of dark humor, thrilling mysteries, and stories that don’t take themselves too seriously. I found it to be both entertaining and clever an experience that is rare and delightful.
The author’s writing is sharp, engaging, and filled with unexpected moments that catch you off guard. Their ability to craft a compelling mystery while making you laugh is truly impressive. I can’t wait to dive into more books written by this author.
Overall a darkly amazing and thrilling read.
Have you ever read a book so bizarre yet intriguing that you can’t decide whether to gasp in shock or laugh out loud?
This is exactly what this book An Eye for an Eye by Denny Darke, delivers an unexpected mix of dark comedy and thrilling suspense, making it one of the most unique murder mysteries I’ve come across.
This book is an unpredictable, witty, and wild ride.
The highlight for me was its ability to balance gruesome crime scenes with absurdly funny moments. The storyline is refreshingly unconventional, packed with eccentric characters and strange, twists that had me turning pages late into the night.
The author’s knack for blending humor with tension is truly commendable. Every scene felt like a vivid snapshot of chaos, humor, and mystery, all expertly woven together. The quirky characters and the odd, almost surreal situations make this book a standout.
This book is a must read for anyone who enjoys a mix of dark humor, thrilling mysteries, and stories that don’t take themselves too seriously. I found it to be both entertaining and clever an experience that is rare and delightful.
The author’s writing is sharp, engaging, and filled with unexpected moments that catch you off guard. Their ability to craft a compelling mystery while making you laugh is truly impressive. I can’t wait to dive into more books written by this author.
Overall a darkly amazing and thrilling read.
January 10, 2025
Review for ‘Eye for an Eye’ (the Mallet Murders)
After reading Mr. Darke’s last book, ‘The Hate Game’, a memoir of his secondary school nightmares (which I would enthusiastically recommend) my curiosity was automatically piqued.
For the want of a better explanation, I very much enjoyed his slightly out of the ordinary mode of expression, which was something I’d not come across before so this novel was an easy choice for me.
I’m also a big fan of any story that weaves in (excuse the pun) a little dark(e) humour so, again this was the perfect fit. And boy does it deliver in that department. There were plenty of laugh out loud moments.
The more I read of this book, which, (apologies for the cliché) is a genuine ’page turner’ the more I found myself wondering how it would / could / should transform into a movie, and clearly so because of the raft of bizarre characters.
An additional highlight for me was the frequent and frankly bloody funny references around British cultural humour. If you’re not from those particular Isles I would wager the reader could end up something of a budding anglophile.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would keenly recommend.
After reading Mr. Darke’s last book, ‘The Hate Game’, a memoir of his secondary school nightmares (which I would enthusiastically recommend) my curiosity was automatically piqued.
For the want of a better explanation, I very much enjoyed his slightly out of the ordinary mode of expression, which was something I’d not come across before so this novel was an easy choice for me.
I’m also a big fan of any story that weaves in (excuse the pun) a little dark(e) humour so, again this was the perfect fit. And boy does it deliver in that department. There were plenty of laugh out loud moments.
The more I read of this book, which, (apologies for the cliché) is a genuine ’page turner’ the more I found myself wondering how it would / could / should transform into a movie, and clearly so because of the raft of bizarre characters.
An additional highlight for me was the frequent and frankly bloody funny references around British cultural humour. If you’re not from those particular Isles I would wager the reader could end up something of a budding anglophile.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would keenly recommend.
February 3, 2025
An Eye For An Eye is book one in a debut series set in Nova Scotia, Canada, and it is a hoot. Our trusted Mountie, Daryl Smith, is unceremoniously transferred from his post as a detective in British Columbia to fisheries cop in a lobster fishing town where a serial killer is murdering people to steal their pedigree cats.
The book is a very entertaining brew of puns, metaphors, bumbling cops and crooks, and a chorus of well-written and hilarious supporting characters: a septic tank operator of No Shit, Sherlock; a pastor, his oversexed wife, and their 7 delinquent daughters; a loquacious good ol boy who decided that Daryl is his best friend; a police chief and his mayoral mistress; and the killer.
Unfortunately I didn't have as clear a sense of Daryl's character or his new partner, Yvonne. At times they were merely a vehicle to move from one supporting character to the next but the ride is worth that annoyance for a debut series. And keep your eye on the ball.
For fans of Carl Hiassen and Jasper Fforde. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The book is a very entertaining brew of puns, metaphors, bumbling cops and crooks, and a chorus of well-written and hilarious supporting characters: a septic tank operator of No Shit, Sherlock; a pastor, his oversexed wife, and their 7 delinquent daughters; a loquacious good ol boy who decided that Daryl is his best friend; a police chief and his mayoral mistress; and the killer.
Unfortunately I didn't have as clear a sense of Daryl's character or his new partner, Yvonne. At times they were merely a vehicle to move from one supporting character to the next but the ride is worth that annoyance for a debut series. And keep your eye on the ball.
For fans of Carl Hiassen and Jasper Fforde. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 31, 2025
An Eye for an Eye: The Mallet Murders is a unique, darkly comedic crime novel that blends suspense and absurdity with striking precision. Set against the backdrop of a dysfunctional Nova Scotia police department, the story follows a series of bizarre murders, an inept chief, and a cast of eccentric characters that will keep readers hooked. The narrative is full of unexpected twists, and the quirky mix of gruesome crime scenes with moments of humour is a rare treat.
The novel stands out for its sharp writing, masterful use of dramatic irony, and deep suspense. The portrayal of Chief Kennedy's incompetence and the police department’s negligence is both scathing and oddly amusing, making the unfolding mystery even more captivating. While the story critiques law enforcement corruption, it also evokes empathy for the few characters who still hold on to their integrity.
The book’s unpredictable nature and memorable characters make it a must-read for fans of dark humour and thrilling crime fiction. Its quirky yet intense storytelling will leave readers laughing, gasping, and eagerly awaiting the next instalment.
The novel stands out for its sharp writing, masterful use of dramatic irony, and deep suspense. The portrayal of Chief Kennedy's incompetence and the police department’s negligence is both scathing and oddly amusing, making the unfolding mystery even more captivating. While the story critiques law enforcement corruption, it also evokes empathy for the few characters who still hold on to their integrity.
The book’s unpredictable nature and memorable characters make it a must-read for fans of dark humour and thrilling crime fiction. Its quirky yet intense storytelling will leave readers laughing, gasping, and eagerly awaiting the next instalment.
December 30, 2024
A Darkly Hilarious Murder Mystery
Wow. Where do I even start? This book grabbed me from the first line—a dead body, a missing eyeball, and a litter tray all in one room? I was hooked before I even hit the second paragraph. An Eye for an Eye is a murder mystery unlike anything I’ve read before. It’s dark, hilarious, and just plain weird in the best way possible.
What I loved most about this book is how it doesn’t take itself too seriously. Yes, the murders are gruesome, and yes, the stakes are high, but the humor is what makes it stand out. It’s the kind of dark, offbeat comedy that has you laughing in one moment and shivering in the next.
If you’re looking for a murder mystery that’s completely out of the box, An Eye for an Eye is it. It’s weird, it’s wild, and it’s so much fun. The mix of dark comedy, small-town drama, and genuinely chilling murder mystery is a combination I didn’t know I needed.
Wow. Where do I even start? This book grabbed me from the first line—a dead body, a missing eyeball, and a litter tray all in one room? I was hooked before I even hit the second paragraph. An Eye for an Eye is a murder mystery unlike anything I’ve read before. It’s dark, hilarious, and just plain weird in the best way possible.
What I loved most about this book is how it doesn’t take itself too seriously. Yes, the murders are gruesome, and yes, the stakes are high, but the humor is what makes it stand out. It’s the kind of dark, offbeat comedy that has you laughing in one moment and shivering in the next.
If you’re looking for a murder mystery that’s completely out of the box, An Eye for an Eye is it. It’s weird, it’s wild, and it’s so much fun. The mix of dark comedy, small-town drama, and genuinely chilling murder mystery is a combination I didn’t know I needed.
March 29, 2025
Darke’s clever mystery explores the dark undercurrents of justice, obsession, and madness. Daryl Smith is no stranger to trouble, but a dead doctor with a missing eye is a new low—even for Yeovilton County. Once a respected detective, now a disgraced investigator, he refuses to let the case slide, even as the authorities look the other way.
With sidelined profiler Yvonne Sparks at his side, he begins to look into the case. But the deeper they dig, the clearer it becomes: this killer isn’t just unhinged. He is meticulous, merciless, and dangerously obsessed with cats.
Beneath the biting humor and absurdity is a sharp critique of justice, incompetence, and obsession. The missing eyeball isn’t just gruesome; it’s a symbol of willful blindness, while the ever-present cats add an eerie, almost supernatural touch. Taut and entertaining, this whodunit never lets up, balancing shock and satire in equal measure. Not to be missed.
With sidelined profiler Yvonne Sparks at his side, he begins to look into the case. But the deeper they dig, the clearer it becomes: this killer isn’t just unhinged. He is meticulous, merciless, and dangerously obsessed with cats.
Beneath the biting humor and absurdity is a sharp critique of justice, incompetence, and obsession. The missing eyeball isn’t just gruesome; it’s a symbol of willful blindness, while the ever-present cats add an eerie, almost supernatural touch. Taut and entertaining, this whodunit never lets up, balancing shock and satire in equal measure. Not to be missed.
June 11, 2025
I think what I liked most about this book was that it genuinely felt like controlled chaos. There were so many little details that seemed funny or just interesting at first, which then unravelled later on to tie into the narrative in a way that felt really clever. The murder mystery is engaging and pretty unique - it starts off unusual and just continues to get more and more wild as the plot moves on. I think this one is definitely worth a read for yourself - it's a very interesting, unique experience, and the humour doesn't get in the way of the detective/murder mystery narrative. The tone and general vibe definitely reminded me of The Man with the Pink Sombrero, by the same author, so readers who enjoyed that novel will almost definitely like this one too.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 31, 2024
A Darkly Comedic and Thrilling Murder Mystery
"An Eye for an Eye" is a wildly entertaining and unpredictable murder mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The author's unique blend of dark humor, quirky characters, and gruesome crimes makes for a thrilling and unforgettable read.
The cast of characters is expertly crafted, with each one more outrageous and intriguing than the last. From the one-eyed Chartreux cat to the seductive cult leader, every character adds to the complexity and humor of the story.
The plot is expertly woven, with twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very end. The author's use of misdirection and red herrings is masterful, making it impossible to predict what will happen next.
"An Eye for an Eye" is a wildly entertaining and unpredictable murder mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The author's unique blend of dark humor, quirky characters, and gruesome crimes makes for a thrilling and unforgettable read.
The cast of characters is expertly crafted, with each one more outrageous and intriguing than the last. From the one-eyed Chartreux cat to the seductive cult leader, every character adds to the complexity and humor of the story.
The plot is expertly woven, with twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very end. The author's use of misdirection and red herrings is masterful, making it impossible to predict what will happen next.
January 14, 2025
Awesome
If you’re tired of predictable mysteries, "An Eye for an Eye" is the perfect antidote. Set in the wonderfully weird town of Yeovilton County, the story is packed with jaw-dropping twists and an unforgettable villain whose devotion to his cats is both disturbing and oddly endearing. The writing masterfully blends horror and comedy, pulling readers into a bizarre world where a litter tray can be as much a clue as a bloody fingerprint. The quirky secondary characters steal the show, while the reluctant partnership between Daryl and Yvonne adds depth and heart.
This is not just a murder mystery it’s a riotous rollercoaster ride that challenges every convention of the genre. A must-read for anyone who loves their thrillers with a side of dark comedy.
If you’re tired of predictable mysteries, "An Eye for an Eye" is the perfect antidote. Set in the wonderfully weird town of Yeovilton County, the story is packed with jaw-dropping twists and an unforgettable villain whose devotion to his cats is both disturbing and oddly endearing. The writing masterfully blends horror and comedy, pulling readers into a bizarre world where a litter tray can be as much a clue as a bloody fingerprint. The quirky secondary characters steal the show, while the reluctant partnership between Daryl and Yvonne adds depth and heart.
This is not just a murder mystery it’s a riotous rollercoaster ride that challenges every convention of the genre. A must-read for anyone who loves their thrillers with a side of dark comedy.
May 3, 2025
An Eye for an Eye is a hilariously macabre murder mystery that blends outrageous humour with gripping suspense. Set in the delightfully offbeat Yeovilton County, the novel follows disgraced detective Daryl Smith and sidelined profiler Yvonne Sparks as they chase a serial killer with a taste for cats—and chaos. With eyeballs gone missing, messages scrawled in blood, and vanishing purebreds, every chapter escalates the madness. Denny Darke’s cast is bizarrely brilliant—from a seductive cult leader to a one-eyed feline who almost steals the show. Sharp, witty, and utterly unhinged, this is not your average whodunit. It’s a rollercoaster of bizarre twists and belly laughs wrapped in a gruesome, tuna-scented crime spree. Perfect for fans of dark humour and unconventional mysteries.
December 30, 2024
An Eye For An Eye
Denny Darke does a brilliant job in the book An Eye For An Eye. The protagonist Daryl Yelton is larger than life in this horror comedy who dun-it story. If you love murder mysteries you will love this book. I look forward to reading the next book by this author!
Denny Darke does a brilliant job in the book An Eye For An Eye. The protagonist Daryl Yelton is larger than life in this horror comedy who dun-it story. If you love murder mysteries you will love this book. I look forward to reading the next book by this author!
February 12, 2025
Rating 3.7
This freakiest weird story has great chapter titles. Some of the scenes were so off the wall funny. Some of the scenes were extremely dark and bloody. I enjoyed the gore in this story.
The main villain is a protector of cats. The villain helps cats improve their looks and lives for the better.
M/M connections
This freakiest weird story has great chapter titles. Some of the scenes were so off the wall funny. Some of the scenes were extremely dark and bloody. I enjoyed the gore in this story.
The main villain is a protector of cats. The villain helps cats improve their looks and lives for the better.
M/M connections
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 26, 2025
No one at the police department wants nothing to do with the murder case. So he steps in with her help as more bodies turn up with each missing an eyeball. He will try to solve the mystery of who is behind all the killers and why an eyeball was taken
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and see where this tale will take you
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and see where this tale will take you
December 29, 2024
This book was a rough ride full of humor and excitement. Made me laugh a few times, happened a lot. Lots of twists and turns and yet I didn't quite see the ending coming. I had to get used to the way of writing, but I certainly thought it was an exciting book!
January 18, 2025
Quirky, chilling, and laugh-out-loud funny
It is a murder mystery like no other. From dismembered fingers to blood-written messages, the macabre clues lead to an outrageous plot filled with unforgettable characters. A must-read for fans of dark comedy and unique whodunits!
It is a murder mystery like no other. From dismembered fingers to blood-written messages, the macabre clues lead to an outrageous plot filled with unforgettable characters. A must-read for fans of dark comedy and unique whodunits!
January 25, 2025
A small town, a missing eyeball, and a feline-obsessed killer
An Eye for an Eye delivers a hilariously grim mystery that’s impossible to put down. Packed with outrageous twists and absurdly lovable characters, this is a murder mystery reimagined with humor and heart
An Eye for an Eye delivers a hilariously grim mystery that’s impossible to put down. Packed with outrageous twists and absurdly lovable characters, this is a murder mystery reimagined with humor and heart
July 4, 2025
It was an enjoyable book. I liked it a lot. I was given an arc and I choose to give a honest review.
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