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Izzy Llewellyn Small Town Suspense #4
Darkness Unveiled
In a town where secrets never die, the truth has finally come knocking.
When a true crime podcast rolls into Darkness, California, claiming they'll reveal the identity of the infamous Mirage Reaper—a serial killer who terrorized the region forty years ago—Sheriff Izzy Llewellyn finds herself caught between protecting an accused man and appeasing a town hungry for justice. As the podcast's revelations stir long-buried secrets, a young woman is found murdered with all the Reaper's signature marks, reigniting old fears and turning the town against Izzy.
With an election just days away and her opponent using the chaos to undermine her authority, Izzy's investigation leads her into a tangled web of deception spanning decades. The only person she can truly trust is Cole Barrow, the town doctor whose unwavering support becomes her anchor even as the community questions his professional relationship with the accused.
As evidence mounts and the true killer's plan unfolds, Izzy must confront her own doubts about her investigative instincts—instincts that failed her once before with devastating consequences. In a race against time, she'll need to uncover the truth before another life is claimed and her chance to protect Darkness is lost forever.
In this gripping suspense novel, layers of deception are peeled away as a small town's darkest chapter is unveiled, revealing that behind every exposed secret lies an even deeper truth waiting to be discovered.
When a true crime podcast rolls into Darkness, California, claiming they'll reveal the identity of the infamous Mirage Reaper—a serial killer who terrorized the region forty years ago—Sheriff Izzy Llewellyn finds herself caught between protecting an accused man and appeasing a town hungry for justice. As the podcast's revelations stir long-buried secrets, a young woman is found murdered with all the Reaper's signature marks, reigniting old fears and turning the town against Izzy.
With an election just days away and her opponent using the chaos to undermine her authority, Izzy's investigation leads her into a tangled web of deception spanning decades. The only person she can truly trust is Cole Barrow, the town doctor whose unwavering support becomes her anchor even as the community questions his professional relationship with the accused.
As evidence mounts and the true killer's plan unfolds, Izzy must confront her own doubts about her investigative instincts—instincts that failed her once before with devastating consequences. In a race against time, she'll need to uncover the truth before another life is claimed and her chance to protect Darkness is lost forever.
In this gripping suspense novel, layers of deception are peeled away as a small town's darkest chapter is unveiled, revealing that behind every exposed secret lies an even deeper truth waiting to be discovered.
328 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 6, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
February 3, 2026
'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. The first 3 books in the series have an Audible recording, but this one does not. I actually was anxious to leave a family gathering so I could go home and read!
October 12, 2025
Each book gets better
Book 4 has Sheriff Llewellyn trying to solve a cold case from the late 1970's after a podcaster comes to town claiming to have solved the case the police couldn't. Young and old are curious but the elders don't want to live through it again. After the podcaster's appearance and announcement some in the town want vigilante justice. Izzy is caught between trying to keep everyone calm, going through old files to find the real Mirage murderer. With the election days away Izzy is trying to solve the case while Under sheriff is rubbing elbows, playing politics and making sure he gets in the newspaper, on television and social media. Great job. Thank you. On to Book 5!!
Book 4 has Sheriff Llewellyn trying to solve a cold case from the late 1970's after a podcaster comes to town claiming to have solved the case the police couldn't. Young and old are curious but the elders don't want to live through it again. After the podcaster's appearance and announcement some in the town want vigilante justice. Izzy is caught between trying to keep everyone calm, going through old files to find the real Mirage murderer. With the election days away Izzy is trying to solve the case while Under sheriff is rubbing elbows, playing politics and making sure he gets in the newspaper, on television and social media. Great job. Thank you. On to Book 5!!
January 14, 2026
following a podcaster into town, wanting to slap idiots, following the sheriff elections, wanting to slap idiots and wishing Izzy would just say simple words that doesn't give away any active investigation, but allows the residents to know that she is working the case and could careless about politics lol.
oh how I think I know who the killer could have been all those years ago, but not knowing all the players and now to have another death by the killer with inconsistencies oh the twists and turns and finding out that the key players of the police department are switching up their allegiances, or are they, well they are at least paying attention to the old adage "actions speak louder than words"
oh how I think I know who the killer could have been all those years ago, but not knowing all the players and now to have another death by the killer with inconsistencies oh the twists and turns and finding out that the key players of the police department are switching up their allegiances, or are they, well they are at least paying attention to the old adage "actions speak louder than words"
February 10, 2026
Community outweighed Darkness
I have enjoyed reading this series by a new to me author and Book 4 has taken things to the next level. There were tears by the end of this book!
Izzy's work ethic, determination to do what's right for her community and not play politics makes her my new favorite lead character right now. The love and support she has from her family and friends (who are family) and the blooming relationship with Cole made my heart happy.
The author blends the personal stories with the primary mystery/cases so well that its hard to put my kindle down at night. I am so looking forward to reading more about the town of Darkness!
I have enjoyed reading this series by a new to me author and Book 4 has taken things to the next level. There were tears by the end of this book!
Izzy's work ethic, determination to do what's right for her community and not play politics makes her my new favorite lead character right now. The love and support she has from her family and friends (who are family) and the blooming relationship with Cole made my heart happy.
The author blends the personal stories with the primary mystery/cases so well that its hard to put my kindle down at night. I am so looking forward to reading more about the town of Darkness!
November 12, 2025
I. Could. Not. Put. This. Book. Down!
I've read the other books in this series and this one is the best BY FAR. From start to finish, you're kept on the edge of your seat trying to solve a mystery. The details, the storyline, the adrenaline rush, this book is a work of art. I can't imagine how difficult it must be to make sure everything is in order when writing a mystery novel. Zara Evans deserves recognition for the way she tells Sherriff Llewllyen's story. Every novel plays out like a movie in your head. If I could give this book 10 stars I would!
I've read the other books in this series and this one is the best BY FAR. From start to finish, you're kept on the edge of your seat trying to solve a mystery. The details, the storyline, the adrenaline rush, this book is a work of art. I can't imagine how difficult it must be to make sure everything is in order when writing a mystery novel. Zara Evans deserves recognition for the way she tells Sherriff Llewllyen's story. Every novel plays out like a movie in your head. If I could give this book 10 stars I would!
June 15, 2025
Another exciting and suspenseful book in the Izzy Llewellyn series. The main feature of the plot was discovering who was the Mirage Reaper killer from forty years ago. Could he or she strike again? Also we find Izzy working on being herself in the election of sheriff. Her under-sheriff was running against her and he was a real political hound who stopped at nothing to talk about how great a guy he is and would be as sheriff. Just excellent! Look forward to #5 in the series!
August 26, 2025
And yet again, this is my new favorite in the series, haha (I think that after I finish each book). Evans did a fantastic job balancing the intriguing mystery with the political aspects of sheriff in this small town. I really enjoyed this and will definitely be rereading these! (And I can't wait to find out if Izzy is elected or not and how that impacts her role in town, with the rest of the department, and with Cole!)
March 10, 2026
Darkness got a little lighter
This is the 4th book in a series set in a small mountain town in California. Ms. Evans imagination is what keeps me wanting to read the next book. Who would think that these crimes took place? And, most importantly, each storyline is completely different except for the main characters.
This story is about unsolved murders from nearly a half a century ago. My mouth hung open as the story came to its conclusion.
Can't wait to read the next book.
This is the 4th book in a series set in a small mountain town in California. Ms. Evans imagination is what keeps me wanting to read the next book. Who would think that these crimes took place? And, most importantly, each storyline is completely different except for the main characters.
This story is about unsolved murders from nearly a half a century ago. My mouth hung open as the story came to its conclusion.
Can't wait to read the next book.
January 14, 2026
Izzy must protect Darkness from chaos when a cold case podcaster comes to town, bringing up old memories and fears from a 40-year-old serial killer case. The podcaster creates panic and mob mentality when she accuses a local recluse of the murders. While Dawkins does basically nothing except playing to the cameras for the election, Izzy leads the investigation to find the true killer.
June 19, 2026
Excellent!
Each one of Zara Evans' books I read I think is the best and then I read another one proving me wrong. Can this please go on forever? Great characters, quick action, puzzling mystery, satisfying conclusions. Love the descriptions of the landscape. Brings me back to a place I've been. This series has I all.
Each one of Zara Evans' books I read I think is the best and then I read another one proving me wrong. Can this please go on forever? Great characters, quick action, puzzling mystery, satisfying conclusions. Love the descriptions of the landscape. Brings me back to a place I've been. This series has I all.
October 2, 2025
Fun and Exciting
I love this series. The characters and the writing are perfect. I can’t wait to read the next book. These books are hard to put down. I find myself getting emotional often while reading. Thanks Zara for writing these captivating stories.
I love this series. The characters and the writing are perfect. I can’t wait to read the next book. These books are hard to put down. I find myself getting emotional often while reading. Thanks Zara for writing these captivating stories.
December 1, 2025
FBI agent turned country sheriff
So far I have read 4 books by this author. Each book was a well written crime story situated around a smallish town.
Interesting plots and town characters. Not overwhelmed with violence and sex.
So far I have read 4 books by this author. Each book was a well written crime story situated around a smallish town.
Interesting plots and town characters. Not overwhelmed with violence and sex.
December 9, 2025
Great reading
This book was great reading. It was exciting and full of suspension and surprises. But the ending was a shocker. And hurry and let the Doctor and sheriff get married. We need the power couple and if course the puppy.
This book was great reading. It was exciting and full of suspension and surprises. But the ending was a shocker. And hurry and let the Doctor and sheriff get married. We need the power couple and if course the puppy.
January 5, 2026
Good Book
This is a good story with lots of twists and turns. There's a sense of anticipation as you read waiting to find out who committed the crimes.
Not who you suspected. This the 3rd Sara Evans book I've read. I'm on to the 4th. Keep
up the good work girl
This is a good story with lots of twists and turns. There's a sense of anticipation as you read waiting to find out who committed the crimes.
Not who you suspected. This the 3rd Sara Evans book I've read. I'm on to the 4th. Keep
up the good work girl
January 16, 2026
Interesting Characters, Exciting Story
This is the fourth Sara Evans novel I've read. I'm enjoying seeing Izzy and Cole's relationship develop as well as reading the well developed crime mysteries she writes. Another enjoyable book in the series.
This is the fourth Sara Evans novel I've read. I'm enjoying seeing Izzy and Cole's relationship develop as well as reading the well developed crime mysteries she writes. Another enjoyable book in the series.
March 11, 2026
Love this book
I get caught up in the action and find it hard to put this one down along with the rest of these books. Izzy Llewellyn, a fictional character, would be a person that I would admire in the real world. We need more of people like her character in our lives.
I get caught up in the action and find it hard to put this one down along with the rest of these books. Izzy Llewellyn, a fictional character, would be a person that I would admire in the real world. We need more of people like her character in our lives.
June 11, 2026
Amazing!
I am thankful that Amazon brought this author to my attention. Just finished forth book in series. Lots of surprises. Character development made me feel like I know these people. Difficult to put the book down. Last night stayed up until 1 a.m. to finish this book.
I am thankful that Amazon brought this author to my attention. Just finished forth book in series. Lots of surprises. Character development made me feel like I know these people. Difficult to put the book down. Last night stayed up until 1 a.m. to finish this book.
August 20, 2026
Twists and turns
I never anticipated how the case would unfold or the identity of the actual perpetrator. The reveal genuinely caught me off guard. While I doubted the podcaster's conclusion, I remained entirely unprepared for who the real killer turned out to be.
I never anticipated how the case would unfold or the identity of the actual perpetrator. The reveal genuinely caught me off guard. While I doubted the podcaster's conclusion, I remained entirely unprepared for who the real killer turned out to be.
June 11, 2025
WOW!
Loved, loved, this book! Oh, the suspense! One of the best books I've read. Be prepared for an emotional, feel good ending.
Loved, loved, this book! Oh, the suspense! One of the best books I've read. Be prepared for an emotional, feel good ending.
July 8, 2025
Awesome book
I could not put this book down. I can t wait for book 5! I'm definitely checking out more of this author's books.
I could not put this book down. I can t wait for book 5! I'm definitely checking out more of this author's books.
July 17, 2025
Sheriff Izzy keeps battling for the people of Darkness and the plots keep getting a bit more twisted with each book!
July 28, 2025
Evil Abounds in Darknessqa
Once again Izzy is investigating murders but from a cold case….until it is a current case as well! It’s another great mystery!
Once again Izzy is investigating murders but from a cold case….until it is a current case as well! It’s another great mystery!
August 13, 2025
Another good book. Sheriff Llewelyn has many adventures along the way and this book is excellent. I highly recommend it!
August 13, 2025
Great writer.
She knows how to write suspense!! It' exciting enough to skim over words just to see how the characters will react or what they'll do. On to book 5!!!
She knows how to write suspense!! It' exciting enough to skim over words just to see how the characters will react or what they'll do. On to book 5!!!
September 1, 2025
Great series
Love this series - wonderful character development and plotlines. Exciting stories that keep me coming back for more. So glad I've discovered Zara Evans.
Love this series - wonderful character development and plotlines. Exciting stories that keep me coming back for more. So glad I've discovered Zara Evans.
October 7, 2025
Very entertaining
The series keeps getting better as you get to know the people who live in Darkness xx Nanook should be in it more
The series keeps getting better as you get to know the people who live in Darkness xx Nanook should be in it more
November 5, 2025
Great who done it!
This book will keep you engaged from the first chapter to the last page. Izzy is a firecracker and this writer has some wonderful stories.
This book will keep you engaged from the first chapter to the last page. Izzy is a firecracker and this writer has some wonderful stories.
November 24, 2025
Loved this book!
This is the best book out of the series so far. I couldnt put it down. Read the series in order. You wont be disappointed.
This is the best book out of the series so far. I couldnt put it down. Read the series in order. You wont be disappointed.
January 13, 2026
Vote with your heart!
This series just keeps getting better book by book! I actually had tears in my eyes as I finished it.
This series just keeps getting better book by book! I actually had tears in my eyes as I finished it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews