The Darkness Between Us

by Christine Dempsey

When a charming man arrives at her doorstep with a vacuum to sell, a young mother senses something is off. Before she can shut the door, he forces his way in and brutally murders her. Her husband's unexpected return scares him off, sparing their two-year-old daughter, Kyah, who grows up with only a vague memory of that fateful day.

Now 18, Kyah is a college student trying to leave the past behind. On campus, she becomes entangled with an older man who makes her feel alive in ways she's never known. But their intense connection hides a dark he's the man who killed her mother, and he's been watching her ever since.

As Kyah unravels the horrifying details, she discovers an even more twisted secret. Now, she must confront the darkness of her past and the dangerous man who's ensnared her heart, trapped between love and vengeance.

Secrets. Betrayal. A love born from violence. How far would you go to uncover the truth when the man you love is the monster who destroyed your world?

106 pages, Paperback

Published April 10, 2025

Reviews

[Jax · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Darkness Between Us is a thrilling tale full of violence, mystery, and a quick conclusion that nobody expected. Following the death of her mother as a child, Kiah is struggling through college when the anniversary of her mothers death comes up. She falls hard for a professor and is intimate with him before learning a devastating truth that sends her spiraling into rage.

I read this read back in 2024 as a beta read and I really enjoyed it. It’s fast paced, has uniquely built characters, and has a really good story concept behind it all. The ending adds to it all and makes this book a true 5 star read.

[Alisha Pascual · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this one. The plot was good, I didn’t really see things unraveling until right before it happened. I think I would’ve liked the story more if I knew for sure when Cyrus started having feelings for Kyah. Serial killer falls for victims daughter with twists and turns. Kyah going through her life witnessing something horrendous. and being lied to her whole life.

[Rachel Browning · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Darkness Between Us” by Christine Dempsey is a dark, suspenseful thriller that pulled me in from the very first page. The pacing was spot on, making it a quick and engaging read. I enjoyed the twists and tension throughout—perfect for anyone who loves a fast-paced psychological thriller.

[Tina Transformation · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christine Dempsey’s The Darkness Between Us plunges readers into an unrelenting storm of suspense, where every page reveals another layer of fear, obsession, and vulnerability. From the chilling opening to the heart-stopping conclusion, this story grabs hold and doesn’t let go.

The characters are raw, flawed, and disturbingly real, their inner struggles as gripping as the danger that surrounds them. Dempsey expertly blurs the lines between trust and betrayal, love and obsession, creating a psychological maze where survival feels uncertain. Each twist cuts deeper, and every revelation leaves you breathless. This is a Must Read from one of my New Fav Authors.

[Brittany Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly don’t even know where to start with this book! I enjoyed it so much the suspense, the fast past and the multiple povs. The story was so well written and captivating I was honestly left wanting more. Christine did an amazing job telling this story. I could not put it down when I say I devoured it I mean it. I finished this book in an hour. I can’t wait to read more from her. The book was dark and twisted and to be in the mind of the killer to know how he felt along with the victims thoughts was a great touch I’ve never read a book like it! I will definitely be recommending this novella to anyone who will listen! Please check trigger warnings before reading it!

[VDKeck · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Darkness Between Us
by Christine Dempsey
Released: March 10, 2025

This novella captivates readers with a vivid exploration of trauma, forbidden desire, and the relentless pursuit of truth. The narrative centers on Kyah, a young woman whose life is indelibly marked by a violent event she scarcely remembers.

As an 18-year-old college student, Kyah strives to forge a new path, yet the shadows of her past linger. Dempsey’s portrayal of Kyah’s internal landscape is rich with sensitive detail, capturing the weight of her unspoken fears and the subtle triggers that evoke memories she cannot fully grasp.

On campus, Kyah encounters an enigmatic older man whose presence ignites a complex array of emotions. Their interactions are charged with a palpable tension, as Dempsey skillfully conveys the magnetic pull between them through evocative descriptions of fleeting glances and charged silences. The descriptive language she uses brings to life the intensity of their connection, enveloping readers in the whirlwind of Kyah’s conflicting feelings.

As Kyah delves deeper into her own history, the narrative unfolds with a careful balance of suspense and revelation. Dempsey’s storytelling is filled with atmospheric details that heighten the sense of unease, from the dimly lit corners of familiar spaces to the unsettling quiet of moments that should be filled with sound. Through Kyah’s journey, readers are invited to experience the tactile reality of her world, where every sensation carries the weight of past and present intertwining.

The Darkness Between Us is a compelling exploration of how deeply buried secrets can shape one’s reality. Dempsey’s use of detailed storytelling crafts an immersive experience, allowing readers to walk alongside Kyah as she confronts the complexities of love, memory, and identity.

[Angie Frakes · Rating 3 out of 5]

The premise of this story was very intriguing, and I liked the mystery of it. I do think this book is would have been better as a fully fleshed-out novel or as a longer novella. With it being only about one hundred pages, a lot of the relationships developing and the stalking of the main character felt very rushed. The epilogue from the mother’s POV was also a little confusing. Overall, a very interesting idea that just needs more space to develop.

[DeAnna Beeman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually really enjoyed this book. It was such a quick read and I couldn't put it down. I was hooked from the start.

I will definitely be reading more works by Christine Dempsey I absolutely loved her writing style and man the plot! SO GOOD.

[Candy Turk · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO GOOD!!!! Finished this one in a day!!! Will definitely be recommending! From the first “page,” I was hooked. Hard to put down. Christine knows how to draw the reader in. Will be adding her to my TBR list of authors!!

[Amy Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first read by Christine and it won't be my last! A fast paced thriller full of twists and turns. I couldn't put it down. A one sitting read. Can't wait to read more by this author!

[Dina Ezzeddine · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I was asked to read this as an ARC reader and got to say it was very good, the story's plot, characters and scene's where well written and descriptive. Overall I recommend.

[Lacey Speagle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was full of twists right from the beginning! It’s a fast paced thriller that you won’t want to miss!

[Sara Causer · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a ride! I was not prepared for some of the twists this one took

[Literary Dystopia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella was amazing. I definitely didn’t know what to expect and I love books that leave you guessing. I loved everything about it. The story line, the characters, etc. Christine did an amazing job writing this short novella.

[Kenya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I highly enjoyed the different points of views and how the story would go back-and-forth between them. It’s always good to be able to connect with the characters on how they are feeling in the book not just always one-sided. I would definitely recommend this book if you’re looking for something that is dark with a little bit of spice.

[woodsy.reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christine Dempsey took my breath away with this short, fast-paced thriller. Once I started reading, I didn't stop until I was finished. The storyline is intriguing and intense as it develops, with plot twists you didn't see coming, secrets and betrayal. The multiple POV provides insight and background into each character, and does well with foreshadowing the events to come.

FMC Kyah is written with both naivety and strength as she navigates her way through early adulthood, trying to move on from the murder of her mother. Her character is both believable and relatable, from the way she handles romances down to the way she handles fear.

My only qualm is that the book wasn't longer.

[Erika Clements · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by Christine Dempsey and it certainly will not be the last! From the prologue I was hooked and it was a hard book to put down. It was a mix of mystery and thriller with a splash of semi-dark obsession. It was fast paced, with an unexpected twist that kept me engaged and turning pages. Certainly much more than I expected in a book that was less than 150 pages!

[Jolene Gelderblom · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book it was short quick kept you gripped had some twists a good read

[Casey Sears · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know we shouldn't fall for the villain, but I loved Cyrus. He was so sweet to Kyah even despite their past. He adored her and loved her. Too bad they weren't meant to be.

This was such a good read! I enjoy tons of dark romance and I will definitely be telling friends to read this one. It was short, the action and mystery was there from the beginning. Loved it!

[Jenny Coyne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of reading this as an ARC. This is my first book by Christine Dempsey. This was a good paranormal thriller. I read it cover to cover in one sitting. I just wish the paranormal aspect was either more prevalent or removed completely and let the book be a psychological thriller. I don't feel like this aspect added to the story and I kept looking for the paranormal to be more prevalent.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella sucked me in from the first page.

The writing was great and the chapters were short, so it was easy to keep reading 'one more chapter' until the end. This was my first book by Christine, and I am excited to read whatever she comes out with next!

[Christy Barecky · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you enjoy fast-paced thrillers with multiple POVs and a side of revenge, this one may be the book for you.

[Stacey Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

MUST READ!!! I was hooked from the beginning, I was reading and was shocked how quick the book was going. I had to make myself put my Kindle down to go to bed, so I could get up and go to work today. I enjoyed all of the characters in the book, I loved the fact that there were not a ton of characters so I was not trying to keep up with who everyone was.

I love Kyah and I love that she is so determined and driven. There was a time when Kyah's name was misspelled and I had to figure out what was happening. I love the fact that Kyah was determined. I love the fact that Kyah was her own person. She may have struggled at some points. Kyah had dealt with so much trauma. A good strong female lead is always great.

Many times during the book I was either holding my breath or "sitting on the edge of my seat". This book had me hooked. I do wish there had been more, I feel like the book was over as soon as it began. Such a good, quick read.

[Ashleigh Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Darkness Between Us is a fast paced, edge of your seat thriller! I was hooked right from the beginning when we learn of the traumatic events that set this story in motion. I enjoyed the different points of view and solving the mystery of that day with Kyah. I really liked the plot and found the twists and turns very satisfying. I definitely recommend adding this to your list.

I am very happy that I was able to receive an ARC of Dempsey's book.

[Chirag Bindal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart pounding

Extremely fast paced read that made my heart beat faster constantly, as confirmed by my smart watch too. First time I read a dead character talking and I thought that was pretty intense and cool at the same time. The plot came together well in the end, with some surprises woven along the way. This is not a genre I usually read, but enjoyed every bit of it. Completed in a single sitting.

[BAMF_Book_Nerd · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Darkness Between Us is a fast-paced thriller with multiple POVs that was an exceptional read that everyone should add to their TBR. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great one by Christine Dempsey. Those that love a good plot twist will eat this up!!

[Jessica Ferguson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started this book and immediately knew it would be a day time book 😂 but it was so good and several twist that I didn’t see coming! I do wish that there had been more to the story, but overall it was a good quick read