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Alexis Parker #5
Racing Through Darkness
No matter how far or fast I run, some things are inescapable. My past is one of them. After everything that happened, I thought I was done. Then Nick called, and all hell broke loose.
Alexis Parker has been a lot of things, from a federal agent to a corporate security analyst. After finally admitting that working with law enforcement would lead to an untimely death, she hung up her holster, but corporate work is tedious and mind-numbingly boring. The federal agent instinct is just too deeply ingrained, and now it's her only possible saving grace.
While away at a business conference, Alex receives word that Detective Nick O'Connell was shot and his niece was kidnapped. Racing back to the life she thought she escaped, Alex finds herself tossed into a sea of vigilante justice. Since the police department is unaware of the current circumstances and time is running out, the rules of the game have dramatically changed. The kidnappers demand two million dollars and expect payment in forty-eight hours. Clearly, that's not an option, and Alex is forced to creatively color outside the lines.
As she investigates, she discovers that three seven year olds were abducted, but only one of the girls has been returned safely. Forced to work with a questionable ex-SAS operative whose business card now reads K&R specialist, Alex must fight off her own demons and come to terms with who she is and exactly what she's capable of doing. There are no holds barred when it comes to rescuing innocent children, but after some lines are crossed, the damage can never be undone.
It's a race against time to locate the girls, identify their captors, and stop the people responsible. Sometimes having a few inner demons isn't a bad thing.
Alexis Parker has been a lot of things, from a federal agent to a corporate security analyst. After finally admitting that working with law enforcement would lead to an untimely death, she hung up her holster, but corporate work is tedious and mind-numbingly boring. The federal agent instinct is just too deeply ingrained, and now it's her only possible saving grace.
While away at a business conference, Alex receives word that Detective Nick O'Connell was shot and his niece was kidnapped. Racing back to the life she thought she escaped, Alex finds herself tossed into a sea of vigilante justice. Since the police department is unaware of the current circumstances and time is running out, the rules of the game have dramatically changed. The kidnappers demand two million dollars and expect payment in forty-eight hours. Clearly, that's not an option, and Alex is forced to creatively color outside the lines.
As she investigates, she discovers that three seven year olds were abducted, but only one of the girls has been returned safely. Forced to work with a questionable ex-SAS operative whose business card now reads K&R specialist, Alex must fight off her own demons and come to terms with who she is and exactly what she's capable of doing. There are no holds barred when it comes to rescuing innocent children, but after some lines are crossed, the damage can never be undone.
It's a race against time to locate the girls, identify their captors, and stop the people responsible. Sometimes having a few inner demons isn't a bad thing.
338 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 16, 2014
816 people are currently reading
193 people want to read
About the author
G.K. Parks
79 books191 followersG.K. Parks has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History. After spending some time in law school, G.K. changed paths and earned a Master of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice. Now, that education is being put to use, creating a fictional world based upon years of study and research.
Visit my Amazon author page and follow me on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/G.K.-Parks/e/B...
Find me on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/LikelySuspects
Follow me on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/g.k.parks/
Follow me on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/GKParks
My books:
All of my books can be read as standalone novels, but for those who like to know the proper order, I've included it below.
The Alexis Parker Prequel series:
1) Assignment Zero
2) Agent Prerogative
3) The Final Chapter
**note all three are combined in the full-length novel Outcomes and Perspective**
The Alexis Parker series:
1) Likely Suspects
2) The Warhol Incident
3) Mimicry of Banshees
4) Suspicion of Murder
5) Racing Through Darkness
6) Camels and Corpses
7) Lack of Jurisdiction
8) Dying for a Fix
9) Intended Target
10) Muffled Echoes
11) Crisis of Conscience
12) Misplaced Trust
13) Whitewashed Lies
14) On Tilt
15) Purview of Flashbulbs
16) The Long Game
17) Burning Embers
18) Thick Fog
19) Warning Signs
20) Past Crimes
21) Sinister Secret
22) Zero Sum
23) Buried Alive
24) Trouble Brewing
The Julian Mercer series:
1) Condemned
2) Betrayal
3) Subversion
4) Reparation
5) Retaliation
6) Hunting Grounds
The Liv DeMarco series:
1) Dangerous Stakes
2) Operations Stakeout
3) Unforeseen Danger
4) Deadly Dealings
5) High Risk
6) Fatal Mistake
7) Imminent Threat
8) Mistaken Identity
9) Malicious Intent
10) Controlled Burn
Cross Security Investigations:
1) Fallen Angel
2) Calculated Risk
Visit my Amazon author page and follow me on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/G.K.-Parks/e/B...
Find me on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/LikelySuspects
Follow me on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/g.k.parks/
Follow me on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/GKParks
My books:
All of my books can be read as standalone novels, but for those who like to know the proper order, I've included it below.
The Alexis Parker Prequel series:
1) Assignment Zero
2) Agent Prerogative
3) The Final Chapter
**note all three are combined in the full-length novel Outcomes and Perspective**
The Alexis Parker series:
1) Likely Suspects
2) The Warhol Incident
3) Mimicry of Banshees
4) Suspicion of Murder
5) Racing Through Darkness
6) Camels and Corpses
7) Lack of Jurisdiction
8) Dying for a Fix
9) Intended Target
10) Muffled Echoes
11) Crisis of Conscience
12) Misplaced Trust
13) Whitewashed Lies
14) On Tilt
15) Purview of Flashbulbs
16) The Long Game
17) Burning Embers
18) Thick Fog
19) Warning Signs
20) Past Crimes
21) Sinister Secret
22) Zero Sum
23) Buried Alive
24) Trouble Brewing
The Julian Mercer series:
1) Condemned
2) Betrayal
3) Subversion
4) Reparation
5) Retaliation
6) Hunting Grounds
The Liv DeMarco series:
1) Dangerous Stakes
2) Operations Stakeout
3) Unforeseen Danger
4) Deadly Dealings
5) High Risk
6) Fatal Mistake
7) Imminent Threat
8) Mistaken Identity
9) Malicious Intent
10) Controlled Burn
Cross Security Investigations:
1) Fallen Angel
2) Calculated Risk
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
March 12, 2021
This one was extremely intense. It has a great plot line, and some emotional drama as well. I really enjoyed it.
February 16, 2020
Ex IOI meets Ex SAS.
Nick O Connell's neice is kidnapped with two school friends, random is demanded for one girl of 2 million dollars, this is paid & she is returned unharmed.
The second girl's parents receive a similar random demand, but emotions go awry.
Ex SAS soldier, Julian Mercer a K&R specialist has been hired by the parents to negotiate, pay random & retrieve the girls.
Nick's sister, has asked him to work with Mercer to get her daughter back, whilst he is following a lead he is shot & seriously injured. Hospitalised, he phoned old friend Alexis Parker, to see if she will work with Mercer to get his niece back. Abroad at the time, she tells him that she will be returning on Sunday - it currently being Thursday. He agrees, but seems a bit out out that it will not be sooner.
Alexis tracks down Mercer & his team haven't arrived - he works with three former comrades from the SAS, therefore he rudely & reluctantly agrees she can tag along. Alexis is not thrilled, but Julian has more info & has met the families, so she accepts the stipulation that he is in charge
They are given misinformation by the kidnappers, when they phone Alexis speaks to them, makes a few salient points about Catherine's parents not having the wherewithal to make a full 2 million payment, so a part payment is made, all in goodwill.
Eventually Alexis, Mercer & his team rescue the two remaining girls, but both feel it's an inside job so they look at all those involved, family members, lawyers & security.
Well played out, lots of suspects & the bodies pile up.
Nick O Connell's neice is kidnapped with two school friends, random is demanded for one girl of 2 million dollars, this is paid & she is returned unharmed.
The second girl's parents receive a similar random demand, but emotions go awry.
Ex SAS soldier, Julian Mercer a K&R specialist has been hired by the parents to negotiate, pay random & retrieve the girls.
Nick's sister, has asked him to work with Mercer to get her daughter back, whilst he is following a lead he is shot & seriously injured. Hospitalised, he phoned old friend Alexis Parker, to see if she will work with Mercer to get his niece back. Abroad at the time, she tells him that she will be returning on Sunday - it currently being Thursday. He agrees, but seems a bit out out that it will not be sooner.
Alexis tracks down Mercer & his team haven't arrived - he works with three former comrades from the SAS, therefore he rudely & reluctantly agrees she can tag along. Alexis is not thrilled, but Julian has more info & has met the families, so she accepts the stipulation that he is in charge
They are given misinformation by the kidnappers, when they phone Alexis speaks to them, makes a few salient points about Catherine's parents not having the wherewithal to make a full 2 million payment, so a part payment is made, all in goodwill.
Eventually Alexis, Mercer & his team rescue the two remaining girls, but both feel it's an inside job so they look at all those involved, family members, lawyers & security.
Well played out, lots of suspects & the bodies pile up.
January 20, 2019
Keeps you guessing.
This story focuses around the abduction of two seven year old girls, one of which has a personal connection to a familiar face. I found myself figuring out some parts before Alexis did but it was harder to see the entire picture. There was a few turns and at times you weren't sure who to trust. Just when you think you have all the pieces there's a big reveal that flip it upside down. I enjoyed seeing Parker and Thompson get to know each other a bit better and I also liked some of the newly introduced characters (which I see have their own story line I'll have to look into).
I wish there was more interactions between James and Alexis. We had a solid start and end but very little in the middle. I realize that their relationship isn't the central arch in these stories but I actually saw myself wishing Parker and Heathcliff were together in this book. The relationship/friendship between them grows with each new book and I'm torn between wanting to see it explored further or keeping them more as a brother/sister thing.
This story focuses around the abduction of two seven year old girls, one of which has a personal connection to a familiar face. I found myself figuring out some parts before Alexis did but it was harder to see the entire picture. There was a few turns and at times you weren't sure who to trust. Just when you think you have all the pieces there's a big reveal that flip it upside down. I enjoyed seeing Parker and Thompson get to know each other a bit better and I also liked some of the newly introduced characters (which I see have their own story line I'll have to look into).
I wish there was more interactions between James and Alexis. We had a solid start and end but very little in the middle. I realize that their relationship isn't the central arch in these stories but I actually saw myself wishing Parker and Heathcliff were together in this book. The relationship/friendship between them grows with each new book and I'm torn between wanting to see it explored further or keeping them more as a brother/sister thing.
September 5, 2018
Alex takes on the kidnapping of Nick’s niece, as he’s tried to handle it off the books, but gets shot in the process.
She ends up working with a group of mercenaries hired to get back one of three kidnapped children. It gets messier and messier, with the kidnappers changing the rules.
Very well written, lots of twists, although I guessed something was up early on, then got distracted by the action.
Alex’s emotions and work outside the box make things interesting, and the bits in between of her and Martin’s relationship are good. I even liked the side story of Francesca’s insider leak. Oh, and I love Bastian, hope he shows up again.
Very enjoyable.
KU
She ends up working with a group of mercenaries hired to get back one of three kidnapped children. It gets messier and messier, with the kidnappers changing the rules.
Very well written, lots of twists, although I guessed something was up early on, then got distracted by the action.
Alex’s emotions and work outside the box make things interesting, and the bits in between of her and Martin’s relationship are good. I even liked the side story of Francesca’s insider leak. Oh, and I love Bastian, hope he shows up again.
Very enjoyable.
KU
January 14, 2021
Alexis parker book 5
Alexis is trying to help O'Connell retrieve his niece, Catherine. O'Connell gets shot so Alex takes his place with the K&R team that has been hired by the Estes to retrieve their daughter Adelina. The third girl that was kidnapped has already been released after her ransom was paid. She is working as a consultant to the PD and is pairing up with Mercer, the head of the K&R team. In the end they get the bad guys, cover for the good guys, save the girls and the damsel in distress.
Alexis is trying to help O'Connell retrieve his niece, Catherine. O'Connell gets shot so Alex takes his place with the K&R team that has been hired by the Estes to retrieve their daughter Adelina. The third girl that was kidnapped has already been released after her ransom was paid. She is working as a consultant to the PD and is pairing up with Mercer, the head of the K&R team. In the end they get the bad guys, cover for the good guys, save the girls and the damsel in distress.
October 26, 2023
Don't cross the line!!
I enjoyed this book, but it wasn't my favorite of this series so far. Alexis is very human and it is interesting how she reacts in certain situations. She is very hard on herself but has a loveable side to her. For me the story line got a little bogged down with the Mercer group being added, but that's just my opinion. I plan on continuing this series so I would recommend it to readers in general. There's a smattering of F bombs which distract from the story in my opinion.
I enjoyed this book, but it wasn't my favorite of this series so far. Alexis is very human and it is interesting how she reacts in certain situations. She is very hard on herself but has a loveable side to her. For me the story line got a little bogged down with the Mercer group being added, but that's just my opinion. I plan on continuing this series so I would recommend it to readers in general. There's a smattering of F bombs which distract from the story in my opinion.
July 24, 2025
Racing through Darkness
Great read, it was so good to read Martin & Parker going to the next level in their relationship. Julian Mercer seems to be a complex character, I look forward to getting to know him better. Parker is finally becoming comfortable with her decisions. I was on the edge of my seat with the story line it kept me enthralled. I do wish I had confirmation that the mother and daughter escaped somewhere safe and the father’s thoughts on what he was going to do. Perhaps there is to be more drama there in the future. Thank you for a great book.
Great read, it was so good to read Martin & Parker going to the next level in their relationship. Julian Mercer seems to be a complex character, I look forward to getting to know him better. Parker is finally becoming comfortable with her decisions. I was on the edge of my seat with the story line it kept me enthralled. I do wish I had confirmation that the mother and daughter escaped somewhere safe and the father’s thoughts on what he was going to do. Perhaps there is to be more drama there in the future. Thank you for a great book.
Read
December 27, 2023The story had a lot of action, but it tended to strike me as too unrealistic. The character Parker is too one-dimensional to suit me. She is always sleep-deprived, in a rush, beating herself up for making what she thinks are mistakes, and not maturing. Martin is similarly one-dimensional. I may read another of this series if I have finished more interesting books, but if Parker continues to be one-dimensional, I'm likely going to stop reading this series. Sorry.
August 31, 2020
A rather complicated plot with lots of characters, twists, intrigue etc, and the amazing Alexis. Entertaining reading, but my goodness, what a ridiculous lifestyle that girl has. Crazy working hours, non stop challenges, relationship issues, and some nasties to deal with. Obviously a very talented and capable young lady.
March 28, 2023
Wow! This author is so great! If you like mysteries. You're going to love this series!
Thus is such a well written and incredibly Interesting series. Each story can stand on it's own, but they leave you anxiously longing to read the next one. The characters are well developed and believable. I'm so glad that I found this author and I am definitely enjoying this series!
Thus is such a well written and incredibly Interesting series. Each story can stand on it's own, but they leave you anxiously longing to read the next one. The characters are well developed and believable. I'm so glad that I found this author and I am definitely enjoying this series!
January 3, 2020
4 Stars
So far, I’ve really enjoyed the Alexis Parker series! It was a recommendation for anyone who liked the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich. These books include the right amount of mystery, suspense, romance, and drama. I look forward to reading the rest!
So far, I’ve really enjoyed the Alexis Parker series! It was a recommendation for anyone who liked the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich. These books include the right amount of mystery, suspense, romance, and drama. I look forward to reading the rest!
April 26, 2022
This is the 5th I the Alexis Parker series by G. K. Parks. I'm completely hooked on this series. In fact, it's 4:30 a.m. and I just finished reading this one. I heartily recommend these books to anyone who likes a good series of murder mysteries. And now on to Camels and Corpses, book 6!
July 3, 2022
Great book. It is about a kidnapping.
This book was about a kidnapping of three young girls. There was a lot going on with international laws and all local laws. Was a very good book.
This book was about a kidnapping of three young girls. There was a lot going on with international laws and all local laws. Was a very good book.
July 27, 2022
Series gets better and better
I have been enjoying this series. The characters are interesting and Alexis is strong and sassy. 🙂 I look forward to hearing what she gets into next! Lots of action and good mystery.
I have been enjoying this series. The characters are interesting and Alexis is strong and sassy. 🙂 I look forward to hearing what she gets into next! Lots of action and good mystery.
March 2, 2023
you race right along side Alexis
I haven’t been reading much these last few years. I picked up an Alexis Parker book and found my self zipping through the first five!
Excellent writer and storyteller. Off to the next adventure,,,,,,
I haven’t been reading much these last few years. I picked up an Alexis Parker book and found my self zipping through the first five!
Excellent writer and storyteller. Off to the next adventure,,,,,,
May 12, 2023
I loved the ending
Give me a series with mystery, crime and non graphic good loving romance with some drama and problems (modern every day life) and I am hooked. I am anxious to start the next book every time I finish one. Must read for series junkies!
Give me a series with mystery, crime and non graphic good loving romance with some drama and problems (modern every day life) and I am hooked. I am anxious to start the next book every time I finish one. Must read for series junkies!
July 17, 2023
Racing thru pages!
Another page turner!
Once again GK Parks delivers an engaging story, which I hated to put downn. Thank God I discovered this series when he was 24 books in the series so I can just keep reading! Highly recommend!!!
Another page turner!
Once again GK Parks delivers an engaging story, which I hated to put downn. Thank God I discovered this series when he was 24 books in the series so I can just keep reading! Highly recommend!!!
September 6, 2023
drawn out
It was drawn out and in the middle became a bit boring. Good story but could have been shorter. Her constant whining about her “issues” and constant guilt gets irritating.
It was drawn out and in the middle became a bit boring. Good story but could have been shorter. Her constant whining about her “issues” and constant guilt gets irritating.
July 5, 2024
This is a great series. I purchased the first book by accident I was immediately hooked. Alexis Parker
is realistic a woman who is looking for her place in life. Will keep you up late to finish the book and start another is the series.
is realistic a woman who is looking for her place in life. Will keep you up late to finish the book and start another is the series.
January 23, 2021
I continue to enjoy immersing myself in this series as time permits.
February 10, 2021
I think that not only has this been the best book in the series so far, but with the way it ended (which I LOVED) I feel like the following books are going to be even better!
February 28, 2021
⭐⭐⭐⭐ For some reason it's showing one star and won't let me change it!
August 31, 2021
Kidnapping
A other Alexis Parker novel in which she tries to solve a triple kidnapping. Leave it to Alex to save the day and solve the twisted clues.
A other Alexis Parker novel in which she tries to solve a triple kidnapping. Leave it to Alex to save the day and solve the twisted clues.
May 6, 2022
Up and down
Emotional rollercoaster from beginning to surprising end. Enlightening and soul searching leads to decisions Alexis needed to make. On to the next one
Emotional rollercoaster from beginning to surprising end. Enlightening and soul searching leads to decisions Alexis needed to make. On to the next one
June 8, 2022
Best one yet......
This was a great story. Plot twists were everywhere, making for an intense interesting read. I'll keep going with this series.
This was a great story. Plot twists were everywhere, making for an intense interesting read. I'll keep going with this series.
February 20, 2023
Loved the interactions between Alex and Mercer
April 2, 2023
Intriguing
This book keeps you turning the pages to see what will happen next. You also find yourself getting angry all at the same time.
This book keeps you turning the pages to see what will happen next. You also find yourself getting angry all at the same time.
September 16, 2023
book 5
GK Parks never ceases to amaze me with each book I read in the Alexis Parker series. I thoroughly enjoyed how in-depth the scheming and inside planning was put together.
GK Parks never ceases to amaze me with each book I read in the Alexis Parker series. I thoroughly enjoyed how in-depth the scheming and inside planning was put together.
August 23, 2024
Intense, action packed story. New character introduced who may or may not be a villain. Love how G.K. Parks adds dimension to her characters to keep your attention I n
December 29, 2024
Good read, keeps you engaged
Great to have Alexis getting straight into her role in this book. The outline was perfect to keep you reading and the ending was not as expected
Great to have Alexis getting straight into her role in this book. The outline was perfect to keep you reading and the ending was not as expected
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews