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Darby McCormick #5
Fear the Dark
Fear grips a town in Colorado as a murderer targets entire families in their own homes. As police and the FBI struggle to contain the situation, they bring in forensic investigator and serial killer expert Darby McCormick.
What she finds is a brutal and elusive predator who stays one step ahead of their investigation.
As Darby navigates the blood-ties and broken promises that divide the locals, she knows that all the while the killer is watching, waiting and circling his next target: her.
She must not only meet evil—and somehow survive—but also be prepared to face this small town's dark heart ...
What she finds is a brutal and elusive predator who stays one step ahead of their investigation.
As Darby navigates the blood-ties and broken promises that divide the locals, she knows that all the while the killer is watching, waiting and circling his next target: her.
She must not only meet evil—and somehow survive—but also be prepared to face this small town's dark heart ...
485 pages, Paperback
First published January 29, 2015
64 people are currently reading
731 people want to read
About the author
Chris Mooney
48 books524 followersHailed as “one of the best thriller writers working today” by Lee Child and “a wonderful writer” by Michael Connelly, Chris Mooney is the international bestselling author of twelve novels, most recently, The Snow Girls. His fourth book, The Missing, the first in the Darby McCormick series, was a main selection of the International Book of the Month Club and an instant bestseller in over thirteen countries. The Mystery Writer’s Association nominated Chris’s third book, Remembering Sarah, for an Edgar Award for Best Novel. Foreign rights to his novels have been sold to twenty-eight territories. He has sold nearly two million copies of his books.
Chris teaches writing courses at Harvard and the Harvard Extension School, and lives in the Boston area with his wife and son. His new novel, Blood World, will be released in August of 2020.
International Praise for Chris Mooney:
“Scary voice, scary talent. Mooney is one of the best thriller writers working today.”
– Lee Child
“A wonderful writer . . . Compelling, thrilling and touching.”
– Michael Connelly
“Harrowing, gripping, haunting, gut-wrenching and beautifully written.”
– Harlan Coben
“Chris Mooney has written his finest novel, and that’s saying something indeed.”
– Dennis Lehane
“It will keep you up past your bedtime.”
– Karin Slaughter
“A thriller that will chill your blood, break your heart and make your pulse race.”
– Mark Billingham
"Chris Mooney is an exceptional thriller writer, with the rare gift of being able to of balance action with compassion, and grit with humanity. I envy those who have yet to read him."
– John Connolly
“The Missing is the season’s most unrelenting thriller. It will keep readers enthralled from its gripping opening chapters to its shocking last page.”
– George Pelecanos
“Mooney writes like a man on fire.”
– Linda Fairstein
“The smart money has long been on Chris Mooney, one of crime fiction’s rising stars.”
– Laura Lippman
Chris teaches writing courses at Harvard and the Harvard Extension School, and lives in the Boston area with his wife and son. His new novel, Blood World, will be released in August of 2020.
International Praise for Chris Mooney:
“Scary voice, scary talent. Mooney is one of the best thriller writers working today.”
– Lee Child
“A wonderful writer . . . Compelling, thrilling and touching.”
– Michael Connelly
“Harrowing, gripping, haunting, gut-wrenching and beautifully written.”
– Harlan Coben
“Chris Mooney has written his finest novel, and that’s saying something indeed.”
– Dennis Lehane
“It will keep you up past your bedtime.”
– Karin Slaughter
“A thriller that will chill your blood, break your heart and make your pulse race.”
– Mark Billingham
"Chris Mooney is an exceptional thriller writer, with the rare gift of being able to of balance action with compassion, and grit with humanity. I envy those who have yet to read him."
– John Connolly
“The Missing is the season’s most unrelenting thriller. It will keep readers enthralled from its gripping opening chapters to its shocking last page.”
– George Pelecanos
“Mooney writes like a man on fire.”
– Linda Fairstein
“The smart money has long been on Chris Mooney, one of crime fiction’s rising stars.”
– Laura Lippman
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
October 7, 2015
This is the 5th book in a series highlighting Darby McCormick, forensic investigator and an expert on serial killers. Although this is a series, this book is fine as a stand-alone. There are mentions made of some things that happened in prior books, but nothing that is not explained.
Darby is called to a small town in Colorado where someone is killing families. This is an intelligent killer, leaving no clues whatsoever. But Darby is in her element. As she gets closer to solving the case, the killer turns his attention to her.
As always, Chris Mooney has created a savage human monster, a predator that no one suspects. Under his writing, the reader is drawn in and cannot free themselves until the explosive ending. But beware, before arriving at the ending, there are twists and turns that will have you turning pages faster and faster to see what happens next.
Darby is a terrific series character. She's one tough cookie and will do whatever she needs to do to bring justice and closure for the victims.
This is one of my favorite authors, favorite series and I see that there is another one coming out in 2016. As usual, I highly recommend this one, but if possible, start at the beginning of Darby's adventures.
Darby is called to a small town in Colorado where someone is killing families. This is an intelligent killer, leaving no clues whatsoever. But Darby is in her element. As she gets closer to solving the case, the killer turns his attention to her.
As always, Chris Mooney has created a savage human monster, a predator that no one suspects. Under his writing, the reader is drawn in and cannot free themselves until the explosive ending. But beware, before arriving at the ending, there are twists and turns that will have you turning pages faster and faster to see what happens next.
Darby is a terrific series character. She's one tough cookie and will do whatever she needs to do to bring justice and closure for the victims.
This is one of my favorite authors, favorite series and I see that there is another one coming out in 2016. As usual, I highly recommend this one, but if possible, start at the beginning of Darby's adventures.
March 16, 2015
FEAR THE DARK
By
Chris Mooney
Working in the bookselling industry for 30 one tends to get to meet and in some cases know and become friends with a few bestselling authors. I have been so blessed; sometimes it is more than an embarrassment of riches. Over ten years ago I met Chris Mooney he had just published the Edgar Nominated REMEMBERING SARAH. To this day it is in my all time top ten picks as best thrillers/mysteries ‘ever’ written.
After collecting and reading all of Mr. Mooney’s backlist I found myself going through ‘his style of writing and storytelling’ withdraw. Since then I have never been disappointed by anything Mr. Mooney has written. With THE MISSING his readership was introduced to a new protagonist Darby McCormick. Her family lineage is steeped in protecting the innocent and tracking down people that would make most people’s skin crawl.
FEAR THE DARK (which can currently be purchased at Amazon Books UK shatters the ceiling with its dark hues and in your face portrayals of how the justice system ‘really’ works. Once again Darby is faced with the ‘good ole boy’ attitude that women are to be treated as sex objects and have no place in the field of crime solving.
Nestled in the mountains of Colorado lies the small town of Red Hill. Life in the small town is shattered by the discovery of an entire family murdered. Soon another family is massacred the exact same way with gruesome pieces that connect both families to the culprit. Darby McCormick is called as a liaison to help her peers and the town’s police staff not only formulate a profile of whom is capable of such heinous acts but also to use her history of serial killer knowledge to solve the case before the killer or killers strike again.
I make a personal oath to never reveal too much about a book due to when reviewing such fine thrillers as this one can easily unleash a ‘spoiler’ moment. That is have the fun when reading a Chris Mooney novel is ‘you as a reader’ have to do a little literary work to formulate the outcome along with the author. That is a true talent. FEAR THE DARK is the least of your worries when delving into this kick ass thriller.
Personal note: I live in a townhouse built in the late 60’s early 70’s and while I was knee deep in FEAR THE DARK I could swear I heard footsteps up and down the stairs and I was home alone…
Jim Munchel
No Stranger 2 Fiction.
By
Chris Mooney
Working in the bookselling industry for 30 one tends to get to meet and in some cases know and become friends with a few bestselling authors. I have been so blessed; sometimes it is more than an embarrassment of riches. Over ten years ago I met Chris Mooney he had just published the Edgar Nominated REMEMBERING SARAH. To this day it is in my all time top ten picks as best thrillers/mysteries ‘ever’ written.
After collecting and reading all of Mr. Mooney’s backlist I found myself going through ‘his style of writing and storytelling’ withdraw. Since then I have never been disappointed by anything Mr. Mooney has written. With THE MISSING his readership was introduced to a new protagonist Darby McCormick. Her family lineage is steeped in protecting the innocent and tracking down people that would make most people’s skin crawl.
FEAR THE DARK (which can currently be purchased at Amazon Books UK shatters the ceiling with its dark hues and in your face portrayals of how the justice system ‘really’ works. Once again Darby is faced with the ‘good ole boy’ attitude that women are to be treated as sex objects and have no place in the field of crime solving.
Nestled in the mountains of Colorado lies the small town of Red Hill. Life in the small town is shattered by the discovery of an entire family murdered. Soon another family is massacred the exact same way with gruesome pieces that connect both families to the culprit. Darby McCormick is called as a liaison to help her peers and the town’s police staff not only formulate a profile of whom is capable of such heinous acts but also to use her history of serial killer knowledge to solve the case before the killer or killers strike again.
I make a personal oath to never reveal too much about a book due to when reviewing such fine thrillers as this one can easily unleash a ‘spoiler’ moment. That is have the fun when reading a Chris Mooney novel is ‘you as a reader’ have to do a little literary work to formulate the outcome along with the author. That is a true talent. FEAR THE DARK is the least of your worries when delving into this kick ass thriller.
Personal note: I live in a townhouse built in the late 60’s early 70’s and while I was knee deep in FEAR THE DARK I could swear I heard footsteps up and down the stairs and I was home alone…
Jim Munchel
No Stranger 2 Fiction.
February 6, 2015
This is the first Chris Mooney book I've read, and i picked it up when i saw Lee Child's endorsement on the front cover. Anything endorsed by Lee Child has to be great. And this was great. Fast-paced, packed with suspense and plenty of twists and a gripping story that held up pretty much all the way through to the end. Some of the writing is a little bogged down with an overuse of similes and metaphors, but as a while the writing is sharp.
Overall a great crime thriller. I'll definitely be reading Mooney's other books.
Highly recommended.
Overall a great crime thriller. I'll definitely be reading Mooney's other books.
Highly recommended.
July 6, 2015
You know when was the last time you came across a book which had a serial killer, who was abused in childhood and is now killing because of it and is using the same method to abuse his victims?
When was the last time you came across a cop who was dirty? When was the last time the lead was a women and she was pretty but extremely tough?
When was the last time a women cop(lead), was targeted by a sexual predator for being a thorn in his plans and had almost assaulted her before she killed him?
Ans : All the time, all the time.
When was the last time you came across a cop who was dirty? When was the last time the lead was a women and she was pretty but extremely tough?
When was the last time a women cop(lead), was targeted by a sexual predator for being a thorn in his plans and had almost assaulted her before she killed him?
Ans : All the time, all the time.
October 25, 2025
This is a vast improvement on the last one and happy to see that Chris Mooney has come to his senses and returned Darby back to the world of CSI. This one has it all, the suspense, the pace and a couple of cracking twists. The dark and twisted plot with Darby at the centre of it all is well written and thought out and is a compelling read. The short sharp chapters add to the suspense making this a solid and thoroughly enjoyable read. Best in the series so far
March 23, 2015
Thoroughly enjoyed this book & will definitely be looking up his other books ASAP
March 19, 2015
Really really enjoyed this and will be getting the others in this series. Brilliant.
April 16, 2015
As I was reading this book, I kind of figured someone from the police department was involved. This is my first time reading book by this author and I would definitely check out his other works.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 24, 2018
After the last book in this series, The Soul Collectors, I was glad to see the main character back on track. Although I was surprised that the situation in The Soul Collectors was left unresolved. This one involved a serial killer and Darby has been called in because of her past success in finding serial killers
I have to hand it to this author: he’s not afraid to create convoluted and extreme story lines. This book is no exception. As usual, Darby herself becomes a target, and proves that she is able to hold her own. I tend to think of her as a female Jack Reacher. No matter what situation she gets into, she always comes out on top. The suspense isn’t about whether or not she will survive but about how she manages to best the bad guy.
I have ambivalent feelings about this series. Darby changes so much that it’s hard to feel that there is a continuous thread throughout. What drives her and makes her such a fighter is never adequately explained. There are moments when we see beneath the surface (as with her relationship with Coop), but they don’t last long.
I gave this four stars based on the plot more than on the characters.
I have to hand it to this author: he’s not afraid to create convoluted and extreme story lines. This book is no exception. As usual, Darby herself becomes a target, and proves that she is able to hold her own. I tend to think of her as a female Jack Reacher. No matter what situation she gets into, she always comes out on top. The suspense isn’t about whether or not she will survive but about how she manages to best the bad guy.
I have ambivalent feelings about this series. Darby changes so much that it’s hard to feel that there is a continuous thread throughout. What drives her and makes her such a fighter is never adequately explained. There are moments when we see beneath the surface (as with her relationship with Coop), but they don’t last long.
I gave this four stars based on the plot more than on the characters.
August 22, 2018
A brilliant 'who done it?' thriller, this book thwarts you with two brilliant plot twists. Something sinister is at work in the small, desolate town of Red Hill. The police department are under pressure from a neighbouring town's PD and there's a psychopath on the lose that sends them all on a wild goose chase. This was my first dip into the Darby McCormick series, it reminded me a lot of Karin Slaughter, showcasing a strong female lead, and i'll definitely be hunting down some of the earlier books in the series.
June 21, 2018
Excellent, twisted, horror in a book. I admired Darby McCormick for her guts.
June 3, 2016
Started of well and sections of the story are engaging and certainly action packed. However some aspects of the way the book is written, particularly the repeated use of several phrases, started to irritate me. "Walked like gingerly stepping on ice" a woman/man "with the intelligence of a balloon/cucumber". On a personal note, I also not a fan of heroes (or heroins) who end up stepping outside the law justifying violent and criminal actions because they have a badge or some other authority related to position or office. To me that's a dangerous line to cross which I'm sure happens true enough in real life, just I find it undermines the character in the book who I'd like to respect. As to the plot and the eventual identification of the bad guys the story was solid with the majority of characters portrayed in a manner which both interesting and believable. Not sure if I will read another in the series. Three stars from me.
April 15, 2018
It's been a while since I read the last Darby McCormick book. I was waiting if the German publisher will continue with the series but when then never happened, I decided to read the fifth book in English. Well, it was good but I felt that it was not as good as the others. The case was not my cup of tea and a bit boring but what bothered me the most was the time gap between book 4 and 5 and that the events in the end of four with Cooper were complete overlooked. I was confused until I learned that two years have passed since they told each other their love and Cooper went back to London and.. that was it?! WTF?? Not cool.. In this book they acted like they were some distant friends without history and only in the end Cooper acted as if Darby meant something. Yes, I know this is crime and not romance! Still, it was a bit strange. The murder case itself never really got me but I hope I will like the next one better.
April 26, 2023
I admire detctives stories and detectives♥️
I stumbled across this one by accident. I haven't tried any other book in the series. Nothing to lose - the whole story was spur of the moment without much delving into the past
I close my eyes and imagine a small town like this - perfect for some kind of hell that's going on. Places like this always have dirty secrets. The quietest things are the most perilous - you never know what's going on underneath
I love the style - easy to read. It grips you. Keeps you on your toes. What an epic ending! I have never expected such a twist. Mindblowing!
I am in love) So classic and fascinating detective story with a good old fashioned maniac👌
I stumbled across this one by accident. I haven't tried any other book in the series. Nothing to lose - the whole story was spur of the moment without much delving into the past
I close my eyes and imagine a small town like this - perfect for some kind of hell that's going on. Places like this always have dirty secrets. The quietest things are the most perilous - you never know what's going on underneath
I love the style - easy to read. It grips you. Keeps you on your toes. What an epic ending! I have never expected such a twist. Mindblowing!
I am in love) So classic and fascinating detective story with a good old fashioned maniac👌
March 8, 2015
A small town in Colorado in left reeling by the serial killer in their midst - one who targets whole families in their own homes and leaves behind no trace. As police and the FBI struggle to crack down on this killer before more families are targeted, they call in expert Darby McCormick.
As Darby begins her own investigation, new evidence and suspicions spring to light, suspicions she must get to the bottom of before she herself becomes a target.
An excellent latest edition by Chris Mooney, great reading!
As Darby begins her own investigation, new evidence and suspicions spring to light, suspicions she must get to the bottom of before she herself becomes a target.
An excellent latest edition by Chris Mooney, great reading!
April 6, 2015
I loved this book and devoured it! Darby is a tough, no nonsense character, and I look forward to reading more about her. I bought 3 more of Chris Mooney's books after I finished this one. If you like to read mystery/suspense, this is the book for you.
This killer kills entire families, parents and children. Just when you think the story is over, you get a little surprise. I won't say any more, because I want you to read this book. LOVED it!
This killer kills entire families, parents and children. Just when you think the story is over, you get a little surprise. I won't say any more, because I want you to read this book. LOVED it!
November 10, 2016
Watch Out!!
What a great book. This book had me on the edge of my seat from beginning to the end. Every time I was calming down and ready to move on as you usually do while reading "BAMM!!!!" Another ___ spoiler alert smacks you right in the face! I loved it! Great book, well written, and Liska and Novak are back. How can you lose????
What a great book. This book had me on the edge of my seat from beginning to the end. Every time I was calming down and ready to move on as you usually do while reading "BAMM!!!!" Another ___ spoiler alert smacks you right in the face! I loved it! Great book, well written, and Liska and Novak are back. How can you lose????
February 24, 2017
You will not want to put it down.
I came across the Darby McCormick series quite by accident and I am glad that I did. Chris Mooney has created a character that is impossible not to root for. This book is as good as a stand alone as it is in the series. That's how well written Darby's character is. A definite recommendation for lovers of fast paced novels and strong protagonists.
I came across the Darby McCormick series quite by accident and I am glad that I did. Chris Mooney has created a character that is impossible not to root for. This book is as good as a stand alone as it is in the series. That's how well written Darby's character is. A definite recommendation for lovers of fast paced novels and strong protagonists.
March 30, 2015
I loved this book. I found it extremely exhilarating all the way through, and the plot twists really took me by surprise.
The only problem I found was a few grammatical mistakes and the few ending pages.
Closure isn't always a good thing.
The only problem I found was a few grammatical mistakes and the few ending pages.
Closure isn't always a good thing.
February 3, 2015
Good serial killer action.
October 8, 2015
Brilliant!
October 30, 2016
I do so love a good book and this is right up there with the best of them!
March 17, 2017
I have enjoyed all the books with these characters. This book kept me guessing
September 18, 2020
Time taken to read - 2 days
Pages - 485
Publisher - Penguin
Source - Bought online
Blurb from Goodreads
Fear grips a town in Colorado as a murderer targets entire families in their own homes. As police and the FBI struggle to contain the situation, they bring in forensic investigator and serial killer expert Darby McCormick.
What she finds is a brutal and elusive predator who stays one step ahead of their investigation.
As Darby navigates the blood-ties and broken promises that divide the locals, she knows that all the while the killer is watching, waiting and circling his next target: her.
She must not only meet evil—and somehow survive—but also be prepared to face this small town's dark heart ...
My Review
This is book five in the Darby McCormick series, you could pick this up and read as a standalone but honestly, do yourself a favour and go back and read the others, they are fab. Darby is pulled in by the small town cops to help with catching a serial killer targeting families. Darby is an expert in serials, she has dealt with and survived (just) a few up close and personal, she is also a forensic investigator and bloody good at what she does. The wee town cops want this sorted before they are squeezed out by the bigger cops just waiting to pounce and take over.
The killer is methodical, leaves no traces, is super smart and determined. Throughout the book we actually hear from the killer, their urges and their focus on the cops as they close in. A game of cat and mouse begins and of course Darby is in the thick of it, working in a team where some of course don't want a woman. Darby is more than fit for them!
I love Darby's character, she is strong, maybe even more so from what she has survived, even when rattled she puts a face on it and shy's away from nothing. She is great at her job and sometimes her temper and sense of what is right can get her into trouble - I think that is why she is so popular with readers!
Great pace, short chapters which I love anyway but being ill recently it allowed for me to actually get a fair bit of reading done when I was really struggling. The characters are great, Mooney keeps you on your toes and firing through the pages to figure out where the story is going and how it is all going to end. Darby is like a cat with nine lives but you worry for her along the way because this killer seems to be more dangerous than those she has encountered and you fear her luck is going to run out. Hence not being able to put the book down for long, I HAD to know where it was going, the who, why and how - and will she make it to see another book! 4.5/5 for me this time, I have the next in the series waiting to be read and need to buy the other(s) - not sure how many is actually in total!
Pages - 485
Publisher - Penguin
Source - Bought online
Blurb from Goodreads
Fear grips a town in Colorado as a murderer targets entire families in their own homes. As police and the FBI struggle to contain the situation, they bring in forensic investigator and serial killer expert Darby McCormick.
What she finds is a brutal and elusive predator who stays one step ahead of their investigation.
As Darby navigates the blood-ties and broken promises that divide the locals, she knows that all the while the killer is watching, waiting and circling his next target: her.
She must not only meet evil—and somehow survive—but also be prepared to face this small town's dark heart ...
My Review
This is book five in the Darby McCormick series, you could pick this up and read as a standalone but honestly, do yourself a favour and go back and read the others, they are fab. Darby is pulled in by the small town cops to help with catching a serial killer targeting families. Darby is an expert in serials, she has dealt with and survived (just) a few up close and personal, she is also a forensic investigator and bloody good at what she does. The wee town cops want this sorted before they are squeezed out by the bigger cops just waiting to pounce and take over.
The killer is methodical, leaves no traces, is super smart and determined. Throughout the book we actually hear from the killer, their urges and their focus on the cops as they close in. A game of cat and mouse begins and of course Darby is in the thick of it, working in a team where some of course don't want a woman. Darby is more than fit for them!
I love Darby's character, she is strong, maybe even more so from what she has survived, even when rattled she puts a face on it and shy's away from nothing. She is great at her job and sometimes her temper and sense of what is right can get her into trouble - I think that is why she is so popular with readers!
Great pace, short chapters which I love anyway but being ill recently it allowed for me to actually get a fair bit of reading done when I was really struggling. The characters are great, Mooney keeps you on your toes and firing through the pages to figure out where the story is going and how it is all going to end. Darby is like a cat with nine lives but you worry for her along the way because this killer seems to be more dangerous than those she has encountered and you fear her luck is going to run out. Hence not being able to put the book down for long, I HAD to know where it was going, the who, why and how - and will she make it to see another book! 4.5/5 for me this time, I have the next in the series waiting to be read and need to buy the other(s) - not sure how many is actually in total!
July 6, 2020
I am not sure how I feel about this book. It is a thrilling read with lots of twist and turns, a lot of which I did not see coming or guessed at but then dismissed. I am reading the fifth book in a series with not much, if any, knowledge of the books before it. I have to give it credit for being fully understandable and suspect it is probably more enjoyable with more context.
There is just one pretty big aspect that bugs me. I assume this book thinks it is feminist. However, it fails miserably at that. Alright, I do appreciate how Darby stands up to the boys club called small-town police departments in the US. She is pretty enjoyable most of the time and a complex character. Feminism, however, is not putting other females down, it is pulling them up with you. Darby and every other character in this book could use a lesson on that.
Here Darby is not an example of a strong woman working in a male-dominated testosterone-filled environment - no - she is the exception. While other women might do stupid things, Darby is smart, strong and capable, so very much not like other women. She will handle things the tough way, the manly way. The funny thing is: the serial killer is a sexual sadist, who is, of course, a women-hater. (This is not a spoiler, it is obvious from the first page.) This behaviour is, naturally, shunned. But what is laugh out loud worthy (or maybe cry) is that his thoughts about women come back in some views Darby and her colleges have. It comes back in how women are described and how everyone says they like Darby, because she is not like other women. Because, you know, other women are not likeable. They are annoying and stupid. As you can see, this got on my nerves.
You probably were not looking for a rant on feminism, but here it is; I’m not going to apologise for it.
There is just one pretty big aspect that bugs me. I assume this book thinks it is feminist. However, it fails miserably at that. Alright, I do appreciate how Darby stands up to the boys club called small-town police departments in the US. She is pretty enjoyable most of the time and a complex character. Feminism, however, is not putting other females down, it is pulling them up with you. Darby and every other character in this book could use a lesson on that.
Here Darby is not an example of a strong woman working in a male-dominated testosterone-filled environment - no - she is the exception. While other women might do stupid things, Darby is smart, strong and capable, so very much not like other women. She will handle things the tough way, the manly way. The funny thing is: the serial killer is a sexual sadist, who is, of course, a women-hater. (This is not a spoiler, it is obvious from the first page.) This behaviour is, naturally, shunned. But what is laugh out loud worthy (or maybe cry) is that his thoughts about women come back in some views Darby and her colleges have. It comes back in how women are described and how everyone says they like Darby, because she is not like other women. Because, you know, other women are not likeable. They are annoying and stupid. As you can see, this got on my nerves.
You probably were not looking for a rant on feminism, but here it is; I’m not going to apologise for it.
February 3, 2018
Fear The Dark by Chris Mooney
Title - Fear The Dark
Author - Chris Mooney
First Published - Jan 15
Publisher - Penguin
Pages - 496
Price on Amazon - Paperback - £6.99 Kindle - £2.99
ISBN - 0718197917
This is the fifth book in the Darby McCormick series by Chris Mooney. Darby is back and hunting another serial killer. This one is known as the Red Hill Ripper. He takes families, ties them up and then kills them. Darby and Coop are called in to help process the evidence and help catch the killer. It's not long before The Ripper has his sights set on Darby and is targeting her. Can she catch before he catches her?
I am really enjoying this series, this book by far is the best in the series so far. A huge plot twist at the end which I didn't see coming. This book kept you guessing all the way through which is what makes a book great in my opinion.
Yet again another well written and thought out plot, easy to follow and very gripping. I couldn't put it down. I read this book in a single sitting. I cannot wait to read the next one in the series.
Rating - Five out of Five Stars
Would I Read Again? - Yes
Would I Recommend? - Yes
Would I read other books by the same author? - Yes
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Title - Fear The Dark
Author - Chris Mooney
First Published - Jan 15
Publisher - Penguin
Pages - 496
Price on Amazon - Paperback - £6.99 Kindle - £2.99
ISBN - 0718197917
This is the fifth book in the Darby McCormick series by Chris Mooney. Darby is back and hunting another serial killer. This one is known as the Red Hill Ripper. He takes families, ties them up and then kills them. Darby and Coop are called in to help process the evidence and help catch the killer. It's not long before The Ripper has his sights set on Darby and is targeting her. Can she catch before he catches her?
I am really enjoying this series, this book by far is the best in the series so far. A huge plot twist at the end which I didn't see coming. This book kept you guessing all the way through which is what makes a book great in my opinion.
Yet again another well written and thought out plot, easy to follow and very gripping. I couldn't put it down. I read this book in a single sitting. I cannot wait to read the next one in the series.
Rating - Five out of Five Stars
Would I Read Again? - Yes
Would I Recommend? - Yes
Would I read other books by the same author? - Yes
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December 19, 2022
A small town in Colorado is gripped by fear. There’s a serial killer on the loose. One that kills entire families before staging the murders in a particular way. The victims in each case are treated the same and the murderer is meticulous in his planning. They seem to have thought of everything and are always one step ahead of the police. Dr Darby McCormick, a forensic investigator specialising in serial killers is called in to help the FBI.
It’s hard to say too much without giving the game away but what I will say is that the book is fast paced and brilliantly plotted. This is ‘Darby McCormick Book 5’ but don’t let that put you off. I have only read one before this and although there are occasional references to past books, this can be enjoyed as a stand-alone.
I love Darby McCormick, she is flawed in so many ways but she is strong and feisty and if you were in trouble you would want her in your corner.
It’s hard to say too much without giving the game away but what I will say is that the book is fast paced and brilliantly plotted. This is ‘Darby McCormick Book 5’ but don’t let that put you off. I have only read one before this and although there are occasional references to past books, this can be enjoyed as a stand-alone.
I love Darby McCormick, she is flawed in so many ways but she is strong and feisty and if you were in trouble you would want her in your corner.
July 11, 2022
In the last couple of months I have rediscovered some of my favourite long forgotten Author's and their characters, Sara Paretsky and 'V. I. Warshawski Peter Robinson and Detective Banks and now Chris Mooney and the irrepressible Darby McCormick. WHY were they left so long on the to be read pile, I don't know all are absolute quality. This is clever gripping imaginative and intelligent thriller, and at times heart in your mouth cannot turn the pages quick enough unputdownable read. Darby is ballsy brave fearless and smarter than the average bear to quote an ancient cartoon of my youth. Whilst it is the fifth book in the series and there are numerous references to previous cases it can be read as a standalone story, my advice start at the beginning, a very good place to start this excellent series.
Completely recommended.
Completely recommended.
July 16, 2023
This is probably my least favorite of the Darby McCormick novels so far. With it's rural, winter and lonely setting, it would seem to be a story I'd really like. I've read all 5 and this one just seemed to fall short. Perhaps it was the under utilization of the setting I just mentioned. Maybe it was that the character of Darby McCormick has lost all of it's depth. She comes across in this one as tough sure, but not very likeable or sympathetic.
Did I expected too much? The story and the two serial killers angle was fairly unique, but I felt more story was needed. There was plenty of action, especially toward the end which helped me fly through the pages. It was a good read, but oh, the missed opportunities for a better book.
Did I expected too much? The story and the two serial killers angle was fairly unique, but I felt more story was needed. There was plenty of action, especially toward the end which helped me fly through the pages. It was a good read, but oh, the missed opportunities for a better book.
August 7, 2018
Like a runaway train Chris Mooney takes on the ride of terror with a murderer targeting whole families in their own homes and the FBI and the police bring in Forensic specialist Darby McCormick.
The story has twist and turns with layer upon layer of lies - are the characters who they say they are how do the victims all link together.
For me this book was everything & more and I will be looking out for more of his books - if they are as good as this one has been he may join my short list of top crime authors - a very elite list indeed!
You won’t regret picking this book up to read and I bet you won’t be able to put it down either ..................at least not till it’s finished 😁
The story has twist and turns with layer upon layer of lies - are the characters who they say they are how do the victims all link together.
For me this book was everything & more and I will be looking out for more of his books - if they are as good as this one has been he may join my short list of top crime authors - a very elite list indeed!
You won’t regret picking this book up to read and I bet you won’t be able to put it down either ..................at least not till it’s finished 😁
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