Echoes of Darkness

Izzy Llewellyn Small Town Suspense #2

by Zara Evans

Not every legacy deserves to survive.
Not every secret deserves to stay buried.

In the shadow of California's Sierra Nevada mountains lies Darkness, a town where secrets run as deep as the valleys and some families' roots are stained with blood.

Interim Sheriff Izar Llewellyn has enough on her plate, trying to prove herself worthy of her badge while battling small-town politics and her own painful past. But when a local mechanic is found hanged in the library's historical reading room, what looks like suicide soon reveals a darker truth.

As Izzy digs deeper, she uncovers a generations-old web of murder, land theft, and betrayal that threatens the town's most powerful family. With help from the town's brooding doctor, Cole Barrow, she begins to piece together a story that started during the California Gold Rush and never truly ended.

But some people will kill to keep the past buried, and Izzy's investigation has stirred up more than old ghosts. Now she's not just fighting for justice—she's fighting for her life.

A gripping suspense novel that proves some family legacies are written in blood.

Genres: Mystery

363 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 4, 2025

Reviews

[Merry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I read the first book and really enjoyed it and looked forward to reading this one. I plan to continue reading the series. The murder plot revolves around land rights dating back to before Ca was a state and territory was owned by Mexico. There is a lot of background history regarding the unfairness of how land was registered and often times by less than honorable means. The founding family is deeply involved, and historical records play a big part. My preference is more action, and the middle of the story slowed a bit due to following the paper trail. The romance between the sheriff and doctor is moving along and the case is solved. I rate the book 3.75* and look forward to the next in the series.

[Mary Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second in the series and it's even better than the first in my opinion. Izzy is still acting sheriff until the election is to be held. When she is not convinced that a suicide in the town's library is what it initially appears, it seems she has made life tougher for herself especially when the people in powerful positions seem keen to shut down the investigation.

I loved how the story flows. It's quite compelling, with links to land ownership spanning over a hundred years between families still living in the area. Izzy is one determined woman and I like how her determination and sense of justice overshadow any of her career aspirations. Her budding romance with the local doctor is also enjoyable. The pace is terrific throughout leading up to a dramatic finale and I can't wait for the next book to arrive.

[Dawn Gee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written murder mystery

Izzy and her trusted team have their work cut out for them in this book. The events started over 100 years ago. Izzy is winning over some of the deputies. I hope we see more of Jefferson as he seemed to be interesting and sweet.

[Andra Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Echoes of Darkness is the second book in the Izzy Llewellyn series, and its storyline is as compelling as the first! Not only are the characters engaging, they are just like you would imagine in a small western town, the storyline fits the location as well. There is also a slow burn romance that makes you root for Izzy and Cole, and let's not forget Nanook. He is the true love bug in this story. The book is definitely a who done it page-turner with suspense, lots of California history, mysteries that span generations, murder, drama, police action, a few twists, betrayals, abuse of power, community resilience, family secrets, and much more. You will not want to put this one down until you have read the last sentence.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Vickie Chaisson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Echoes of Darkness is the second book in this series and is an action packed suspense that keeps the reader guessing until the very end. The storyline is intense and succinct and by the end it could be so many people who could have done it. The character of Sheriff Llewellyn is one of the best written characters I have read lately. The author has build on the characters from the 1st book enough that the books can be read as standalones but I definitely felt my appreciation solidify with this 2nd book. The story keeps you hooked but the characters are so unique and well developed that I read this in one evening. I would definitely recommend this author's work.

[Nastacia · Rating 5 out of 5]

There was much improvement from book one, I’m definitely looking forward to reading book three.

[Lacey Scheidel · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Echoes of Darkness took everything I loved about the first book and raised the stakes. It’s darker, more complex, and packed with twists that kept me guessing. Just when I thought I had it figured out, the story turned in a completely unexpected direction. The character development was deep and layered, and the ending was anything but predictable. Zara Evans has truly outdone herself—this is a gripping, unputdownable sequel!

[Michelle G. Torres · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second book of the series and still enjoying it. Yes you figure out who did it just before is revealed but again doesn’t take away from wanting to read faster and see what happens. Looking forward to the next book already

[Gwen Chester · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was great and I enjoyed reading it immensely. The twists and turns just kept coming. You had me hooked from page one and I read it all in one sitting. I just HAD to see what happened. I highly recommend this series of books to you all, we have four books in this series and so far I have read two of them. I know you will love reading these books, I sure did.

We get to go to the Darkness, California again. It is in the California Sierra Nevada mountains. This is a town that holds lots of secrets and some of the citizens of Darkness have gotten away with too much for too long and it is up to Sheriff Izar "Izzy" Llewellyn find the bad guys and clean up the town. She is the only woman in the department and has 20 men working with her.

We start out with a local mechanic found hanged in the library's historical reading room. The death was made to look like a suicide, but the facts have proven that it was murder. As Izzy digs deeper she many generations of murder, land theft, and that the towns most wealthy and powerful family is not what they seem to be.

This crime go all of the way back to the California Gold Rush. Some people will kill to keep their secrets buried. Now Izzy is not only fighting for justice, she is fighting for her life and her job.

[Carol.Schuff · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn't enjoy this one as much as the first in the series - too much history and it got boring.

[Judi Haley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 2nd in the series following Sherriff Izzy Llewellyn. She was encouraged to leave as an FBI agent due to a recent case that she worked involving her husband. She didn't know where her life was going until a call from her hometown, Darkness, that offered her a temporary job as Sherriff.

Now the elections are coming near and there is a suicide in their town. The body was found hanging in the Library. But, after investigatin and help from the local doctor, Cole, they have determined it was murder!

As she discovers more about the man who was murdered, secrets of their town are unfolding and now one of the town's most powerful family is involved and it is the woman that hired Izzy. Will her job as sheriff be done and can she find out the truth behind all the lies in this town!

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

'm so glad I discovered this series. At last, a gripping detective/mystery story without bad language, excessive violence or sex scenes. I really liked having a female protagonist as Izzy, newly appointed interim sheriff in a town in California called Darkness (for the record who would want to live in a town called Darkness!) The story involves her personal life and emotions plus all the secrets of the town Darkness. A town where she used to live but left after her father, a former sheriff, was killed in the line of duty. There's a romantic interest in the town doctor, Cole. It was twists and turns that kept me reading or listening into the night. I especially like the Audible recording. It had a female and male narrator. The female voice narrated from Izzy's point of view and a male voice narrated from Cole's point of view. Great narration! I would HIGHLY recommend it!

[RE Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second book was just as good as the first! Izzy's character continues to grow, and I loved the blend of her own personal history (with her dad and his work in Darkness) and the history of CA (fascinating stuff with the land grabs and Mexican nationals who lived there before the US took over that part of the state and actually *named* it a state). It was very interesting and well portrayed (without too much bias -- I felt like Evans stated the facts without drama, leaving us as the readers to make up our own minds about things). And Izzy's and Cole's relationship is also growing slowly but surely -- again, a solid 5-star read!

[Laura L. Gerling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hooked from the beginning! So I like Izzy so much more than Taylor from Hart's Ridge... She is professional, she is tormented without being a victim, and she is wholey and truly kickass! She proves herself adequate for the job and somewhere, down the line, she is going to be offered to be reinstated to the FBI, because you know she knew and did the right thing. I'm in a happy place, but I'm going through these so fast that I'm going to be done with the series in a very short time. If they stay this good I'll be buying them because they are worth the reread.

[Jan Fore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Izzy Lee Small Town Suspense #2

Izzy is coming face to face with an election to elect her or the Under Sheriff running against her. To remain Sheriff she will need to swing most of t by e county to her side as well as solve the 2 recent murders and bring the history of the men who left into the light.
Another really good novel by Sara Evans. Part 3 is coming up for me. Great series!

[Margaret Yelton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Echoes of Darkness is the 2nd book in the Izzy Llewellyn Small Town Suspense series by Zara Evans. Izzy is determined to make her way, fighting against those determined to destroy her position as the sheriff. We learn more about her father's time as the local sheriff. And some find out that corruption runs deep. I would recommend this book to others.

I received an ARC from BookSirens and the publisher, and I am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new murder investigation challenges Izzy in ways she couldn't have imagined. Still recovering from an injury received in a previous case, Izzy is determined to be in charge of the case. When the investigation leads to a case her father didn't solve, Izzy is forced to finally deal with emotions she's denied since he died when she was a teenager. I really loved this book, even more than the first in the series. I received an ARC copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Margaret Shumaker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better than the first

This is better than the first, and that was good. There is a murder in a library full of historical documents. Papers found among the belongings of the deceased suggest the murder is linked to a history of.land rights and missing persons. This is a fine case, with very interesting California history. The characters are interesting and the landscape compelling. I really enjoyed this.

[Lisa Mills · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great book

The author does a nice job of building a story and helping us learn about her characters. Izzy has had some difficulty adjusting to being not only back in her home town but as the sheriff fighting small town politics, cultures and mind sets.
We see her relationship with the doctor move forward and she also begins making friends in the population. All the while trying to figure out a murder made to look like a suicide.

[Debra E. MacTavish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic Series

I love a good book that I have trouble setting down, although some nights it keeps me up past my bedtime. Great storylines with many twists and turns that keep it exciting. With these books I don't have to worry about foul language or other unsavory scenes sneaking up on me. Well worth the read and I am always excited about continuing the story of Izzy, Cole and all residents of Darkness.

[Darcy Speed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Echoes of Darkness continues the series with the same smart writing. Zara Evans has created a nuanced cast of characters, who I can't help rooting for. The mystery itself is layered, just the way I like it. And the ending has just enough to keep me wanting more. On to the next one in the series! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Cynthia L Peters · Rating 3 out of 5]

Izzy investigates a murder and uncovers two old murders that were covered up. She has to make some hard decisions and figure out who she can trust when most of her deputies seem to be against her. The investigation leads to land claims, fraud, and favoritism.

There was a lot of political maneuvering in this installment, which I'm not a fan of. It was also slower-moving than the first book.

[Mary LynneLeiter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Put this author on your list of must-reads.

I just finished Book 2 of Izzy's adventures. Riveting, great characters, twisting plots. An easy, engaging read. Can hardly wait to start next in series. Fresh dialog, interesting settings. This was a recommendation by another author. Lesson: pay attention to what other writers are saying. You are sure to find enjoyment.

[judy Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like the story line and characters

The series draws me into one book to the next and holds my interest as to what Izzy will be dealing with with each adventure to come. A lot of action and twists and turns to find the answers to old and new mysteries of people's lives in the town called Darkness.

[Sharin Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riveting

I must genuinely confess that I found tremendous satisfaction in reading the first book, yet this particular sequel managed to surpass it in nearly every conceivable way! The intricate and compelling dynamics surrounding the land grab, along with how it unfolded throughout the narrative, proved to be absolutely captivating and held my attention from beginning to end.

[Donna Catron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent Darkness book in the series

I enjoyed the first book so much I had to begin the second in the series. Great characters, an engaging storyline and well written, I've already downloaded book number three. Very entertaining, thanks Zara!

[KerryO · Rating 5 out of 5]

Settling back into Darkness, CA, Sheriff Llewellyn finds herself challenged not only by old-line law enforcement officers, but constituents. The obstacles continue to fuel her determination to succeed!

[Emma Gail Hamlet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was great reading,

This book was great reading, it was full of action and suspense. I had no clue one of the Preston son was the wife abuser. Please hurry and add female characters to sheriff office. Great job!

[Karen Sheldon · Rating 5 out of 5]

very well written

Really loving this author and her capacity for writing in such a way that she sucks the reader immediately into the story line and the heritage of the state of California. Such a good read!

[Darlene Mastin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sheriff Izzy

After Book 1 and 2, I'm definitely into this series. After living and loving California and recognizing area mentioned in books and Izzy's gutsy character, I'm hooked! Will move to Book 3.