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Coroner's Daughter #5
What Darkness Does: Coroner's Daughter Mysteries, Book 5
Dr. Emily Hartford finds herself dredging the depths of Lake Isabella—and her own past relationship—in What Darkness Does, the next thrilling mystery from Jennifer Graeser Dornbush.
Called in to investigate the body of a young mother found floating in a small Michigan lake, Freeport coroner Dr. Emily Hartford quickly determines that Samantha Browdey was murdered. Among the many questions circling this horrifying event is one that yanks hard on Emily’s Where is Samantha’s infant daughter? Working alongside police detective Isode Aditson, Emily becomes ferociously determined to find the missing baby, Brooklyn.
At the same time, Emily’s longtime boyfriend Nick Larsen has reappeared—after being missing, presumed dead, for over a year. But Nick has changed. Badly injured and severely traumatized, the ex-cop turned FBI agent is a different man, one who has endured unimaginable brutality and then buried his secrets deep. Nick has a long road ahead … but he’s not a patient man, and catching a sadistic killer seems like good enough therapy to him.
Emily has her doubts, but what’s clear is that a cruel killer’s reign of terror must be stopped, one way or another. Their foe is formidable, increasingly bold, and brutally reckless. To catch this monster, Nick must battle his own demons, while Emily puzzles together the mystery of Brooklyn’s whereabouts, in hopes of giving a grieving family a happy ending.
Called in to investigate the body of a young mother found floating in a small Michigan lake, Freeport coroner Dr. Emily Hartford quickly determines that Samantha Browdey was murdered. Among the many questions circling this horrifying event is one that yanks hard on Emily’s Where is Samantha’s infant daughter? Working alongside police detective Isode Aditson, Emily becomes ferociously determined to find the missing baby, Brooklyn.
At the same time, Emily’s longtime boyfriend Nick Larsen has reappeared—after being missing, presumed dead, for over a year. But Nick has changed. Badly injured and severely traumatized, the ex-cop turned FBI agent is a different man, one who has endured unimaginable brutality and then buried his secrets deep. Nick has a long road ahead … but he’s not a patient man, and catching a sadistic killer seems like good enough therapy to him.
Emily has her doubts, but what’s clear is that a cruel killer’s reign of terror must be stopped, one way or another. Their foe is formidable, increasingly bold, and brutally reckless. To catch this monster, Nick must battle his own demons, while Emily puzzles together the mystery of Brooklyn’s whereabouts, in hopes of giving a grieving family a happy ending.
Audible Audio
Published October 28, 2025
29 people are currently reading
11155 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Graeser Dornbush
10 books694 followersJennifer Dornbush is a screenwriter, author, international speaker and forensic specialist. As she says, “I grew up around death.”
The television or movie screen is the closest most people will ever come to witnessing the forensic world. But Jennifer was raised in it. As the daughter of a small town medical examiner whose office was in their home. There were body parts in the fridge. She investigated her first fatality, an airplane crash, when she was 8 years old. Picking up pieces of skull with her father who simply saw it as an anatomy lesson. The first of many coroner lessons she experienced over two decades.
After exploring journalism and high school teaching, Jennifer turned seriously to screenwriting where she began to connect her coroner world to her writing. She sought out a degree at the Forensic Science Academy in Los Angeles to gain more forensic training and earned a unique kinship with LA’s top CSIs, fingerprint specialists, DNA scientists and detectives.
To share her love of forensics with the writing world, she authored the top selling non-fiction authoritative book, Forensic Speak, used by not only by show-runners and writers, but also crime investigators and law enforcement.
She created an Amazon top-selling mystery novel series, The Coroner’s Daughter. The first book in the series, The Coroner, released in 2018. The second in the series, Secret Remains, released January 2020. She is developing the series for TV.
She wrote the theatrically released film and novel, God Bless the Broken Road (2018). She has developed a TV crime drama series with Echo Lake and Hoplite Entertainment. Also she adapted a popular YA novel to script and sold a children’s show.
As a forensic consultant, she is frequently asked to consult with TV writers on shows such as: Bull, Conviction, Hawaii Five-O, Leverage, Suits and Rectify. She teaches screenwriting and mentors aspiring writers.
Jennifer is a member of the Writers’ Guild of America, Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America and FBI Citizen’s Academy Alumni.
And she has a great sense of gallows humor.
Website: www.jenniferdornbush.com
Facebook: Jennifer Graeser Dornbush
Twitter: @JGDornbush
Instagram: @JGDornbush
Newsletter & Blog Sign up: www.jenniferdornbush.com
The television or movie screen is the closest most people will ever come to witnessing the forensic world. But Jennifer was raised in it. As the daughter of a small town medical examiner whose office was in their home. There were body parts in the fridge. She investigated her first fatality, an airplane crash, when she was 8 years old. Picking up pieces of skull with her father who simply saw it as an anatomy lesson. The first of many coroner lessons she experienced over two decades.
After exploring journalism and high school teaching, Jennifer turned seriously to screenwriting where she began to connect her coroner world to her writing. She sought out a degree at the Forensic Science Academy in Los Angeles to gain more forensic training and earned a unique kinship with LA’s top CSIs, fingerprint specialists, DNA scientists and detectives.
To share her love of forensics with the writing world, she authored the top selling non-fiction authoritative book, Forensic Speak, used by not only by show-runners and writers, but also crime investigators and law enforcement.
She created an Amazon top-selling mystery novel series, The Coroner’s Daughter. The first book in the series, The Coroner, released in 2018. The second in the series, Secret Remains, released January 2020. She is developing the series for TV.
She wrote the theatrically released film and novel, God Bless the Broken Road (2018). She has developed a TV crime drama series with Echo Lake and Hoplite Entertainment. Also she adapted a popular YA novel to script and sold a children’s show.
As a forensic consultant, she is frequently asked to consult with TV writers on shows such as: Bull, Conviction, Hawaii Five-O, Leverage, Suits and Rectify. She teaches screenwriting and mentors aspiring writers.
Jennifer is a member of the Writers’ Guild of America, Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America and FBI Citizen’s Academy Alumni.
And she has a great sense of gallows humor.
Website: www.jenniferdornbush.com
Facebook: Jennifer Graeser Dornbush
Twitter: @JGDornbush
Instagram: @JGDornbush
Newsletter & Blog Sign up: www.jenniferdornbush.com
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
November 5, 2025
This is the first book I’ve read in this series, and it’s book number 5. Lol while it completely reads as a stand alone, I get the vibe there is more backstory about Emily & Nick’s relationship in the other books. Since I’m now invested in their relationship, I will be reading the series from the beginning.
Emily is a coroner, but has great investigative skills. She is on top of things with this case, trying to find the missing baby and its father. You know you can’t put the book down until the baby is found, so this was a one sitting read. I was sucked into the body trail the killer was leaving behind, and where they stashed the baby.
I’m going to need more of Nick’s story. He’s back after being assumed dead, and is struggling hard with some PTSD. When you find out what happened to him your jaw will drop. It was new territory for me in a thriller, and totally hooked me in.
I recommend this book if you like fast moving, character drama, and complex mystery to figure out
December 7, 2025
Thank you @librofm @bibliolifestyle @blackstonepublishing #partner for the gifted copy of the audiobook.
I just finished What Darkness Does by Jennifer Graeser Dornbush and wowza this one delivered everything I love in a police procedural type book. It had tension, atmosphere and a fast paced plot which unraveled of clues and most certainly kept me glued to my headphones and pages! The audiobook was fantastic!
Our main character is a coroner which made her investigative approach so sharp and pointed. I kept thinking she was a police officer but reminded myself it was even better because she knew all of those gritty and gross details about when someone dies. Every detail she noticed felt intentional, skilled and totally elevated the mystery. Especially as she trained her niece. LOVED that relationship in this book :) I also loved how her background added this extra layer of authenticity to the entire case.
The suspense mystery constant action and short chapters made it so this book never slowed down. Even though this is book 5 in a series it read perfectly fine as a standalone and I never felt lost for a second. I do recognize that starting at book one always makes for a more invested scenario but still it was fine not having done that.
And as someone from Michigan, I have to say…the local shoutouts made my heart so happy. 🧡 The Mitten LOVE (or maybe I should say obsession) is strong with this one! It honestly felt like taking a little trip back home with all the familiar places popping up in the story.
This was my first book by Jennifer Graeser Dornbush but definitely not my last. I’d love to hop back to the first book and see where these characters started! If you love fast paced, descriptive, character driven crime fiction add this one to your list!
I just finished What Darkness Does by Jennifer Graeser Dornbush and wowza this one delivered everything I love in a police procedural type book. It had tension, atmosphere and a fast paced plot which unraveled of clues and most certainly kept me glued to my headphones and pages! The audiobook was fantastic!
Our main character is a coroner which made her investigative approach so sharp and pointed. I kept thinking she was a police officer but reminded myself it was even better because she knew all of those gritty and gross details about when someone dies. Every detail she noticed felt intentional, skilled and totally elevated the mystery. Especially as she trained her niece. LOVED that relationship in this book :) I also loved how her background added this extra layer of authenticity to the entire case.
The suspense mystery constant action and short chapters made it so this book never slowed down. Even though this is book 5 in a series it read perfectly fine as a standalone and I never felt lost for a second. I do recognize that starting at book one always makes for a more invested scenario but still it was fine not having done that.
And as someone from Michigan, I have to say…the local shoutouts made my heart so happy. 🧡 The Mitten LOVE (or maybe I should say obsession) is strong with this one! It honestly felt like taking a little trip back home with all the familiar places popping up in the story.
This was my first book by Jennifer Graeser Dornbush but definitely not my last. I’d love to hop back to the first book and see where these characters started! If you love fast paced, descriptive, character driven crime fiction add this one to your list!
July 31, 2025
I first off want to thank Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of What Darkness Does for reviewing.
At first, I was skeptical of this book based on knowing who the killer is right away, but it actually surprised me! I was more drawn to this book than I realized. Once I put it down to take a break, I felt the need to pick it up again to find out what was going to happen on the next page. The book has pros and cons.
Pros
- Short chapters. As a mom I benefit greatly from short chapters and truly appreciate them.
- I am drawn to each character and their part in the story
- I liked the writing style
Cons
- Grammar issues throughout the book (hopefully these will be fixed before release date)
-Multiple viewpoints. When I say multiple, I mean multiple (over 5). But, unlike other books, it kind of works in this story.
-No backstory when introducing new characters. At first this was confusing to me because I was like "wait, who is this now?!" but with how the book flowed, it made sense, and I came to terms with accepting it. Just know, going in, that this is a thing. It'll make reading and understanding it easier.
Overall, I would definitely recommend this book to someone who loves investigative novels!
#WhatDarknessDoes #NetGally #BlackstonePublishing
At first, I was skeptical of this book based on knowing who the killer is right away, but it actually surprised me! I was more drawn to this book than I realized. Once I put it down to take a break, I felt the need to pick it up again to find out what was going to happen on the next page. The book has pros and cons.
Pros
- Short chapters. As a mom I benefit greatly from short chapters and truly appreciate them.
- I am drawn to each character and their part in the story
- I liked the writing style
Cons
- Grammar issues throughout the book (hopefully these will be fixed before release date)
-Multiple viewpoints. When I say multiple, I mean multiple (over 5). But, unlike other books, it kind of works in this story.
-No backstory when introducing new characters. At first this was confusing to me because I was like "wait, who is this now?!" but with how the book flowed, it made sense, and I came to terms with accepting it. Just know, going in, that this is a thing. It'll make reading and understanding it easier.
Overall, I would definitely recommend this book to someone who loves investigative novels!
#WhatDarknessDoes #NetGally #BlackstonePublishing
September 11, 2025
I’ve devoured every book in The Coroner’s Daughter mystery series, and this fifth installment is just as compelling as the rest.
In What Darkness Does, Dr. Emily Hartford is no longer just visiting Freeport; she has taken up her father’s mantle and now serves as the town’s coroner. When the body of a young mother is discovered floating in Lake Isabella, Emily quickly determines the death is no accident. The case becomes even more urgent when it’s revealed that the victim’s infant daughter is missing.
Emily joins forces with Detective Aditson to track down the baby and bring the killer to justice. Meanwhile, Emily’s world is turned upside down by the shocking return of her longtime boyfriend, Nick Larsen, who had been missing and presumed dead for over a year. Traumatized and forever changed, Nick throws himself into the hunt for the sadistic murderer, even as Emily struggles to reconcile her feelings for the man he has become.
This book delivers everything I’ve come to expect from Jennifer Graeser Dornbush: a perfect blend of small-town intrigue, heart-pounding suspense, and emotional stakes that keep the pages turning. The alternating points of view deepen the story and heighten the tension, making it nearly impossible to put down.
Thank you to Jennifer Graeser Dornbush, Blackstone Publishing, and NetGalley for providing an advance reader copy in exchange for my honest review.
What Darkness Does releases on October 28, 2025.
Trigger warnings: serial killings, murder, kidnapping, abuse, drowning, violence, child endangerment, PTSD, sexual assault.
In What Darkness Does, Dr. Emily Hartford is no longer just visiting Freeport; she has taken up her father’s mantle and now serves as the town’s coroner. When the body of a young mother is discovered floating in Lake Isabella, Emily quickly determines the death is no accident. The case becomes even more urgent when it’s revealed that the victim’s infant daughter is missing.
Emily joins forces with Detective Aditson to track down the baby and bring the killer to justice. Meanwhile, Emily’s world is turned upside down by the shocking return of her longtime boyfriend, Nick Larsen, who had been missing and presumed dead for over a year. Traumatized and forever changed, Nick throws himself into the hunt for the sadistic murderer, even as Emily struggles to reconcile her feelings for the man he has become.
This book delivers everything I’ve come to expect from Jennifer Graeser Dornbush: a perfect blend of small-town intrigue, heart-pounding suspense, and emotional stakes that keep the pages turning. The alternating points of view deepen the story and heighten the tension, making it nearly impossible to put down.
Thank you to Jennifer Graeser Dornbush, Blackstone Publishing, and NetGalley for providing an advance reader copy in exchange for my honest review.
What Darkness Does releases on October 28, 2025.
Trigger warnings: serial killings, murder, kidnapping, abuse, drowning, violence, child endangerment, PTSD, sexual assault.
November 26, 2025
The following is an abridged version of my review. The full length version can be found on my site www.readinghasruinedmylife.com.
Thank you to Blackstone Publishing for sending me a copy of What Darkness Does. They aren't paying me for my review, they just sent me the book for free; all thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you very much to Blackstone Publishing for offering me a copy of today’s read. It really does mean a lot to me anytime someone out there offers me books. Thank you, thank you!
A content and trigger warning before we crack in. What Darkness Does deals heavily with sexual assault and rape. There is also child endangerment. One of the main plot lines is about a missing baby. Please release the breath I know you are holding, dear reader, the baby is ultimately fine. Finally, this book touches on PTSD and abuse. These topics are all extremely prevalent to the plot and cannot be avoided; please take care while reading.
For a story with such high stakes, I found none of the characters show their concern for baby Brooklyn’s safety. Often times a character will express concern for the child, yet they don’t show said concern. There’s not much rushing around and chasing down every lead. I found the characters too calm at times. Perhaps this issue is occurring because Emily is the main character of the series and she is the medical examiner. She’s not the lead detective, she’s not even a detective, therefore she’s not the one who is running around and chasing every lead. As the focus is on her for the vast majority of the book, the concern for the missing child is not able to be properly shown; which is a major issue given the stakes of the novel.
Another issue I had with the book, and this is more a personal issue as opposed to an actual issue with the writing and quality of the novel, is the backstory of various characters. What Darkness Does is book five in The Coroner’s Daughter series. I have never read any other book in the series. While I found the crime and mystery aspect easy to follow and understand, I was very clearly missing big parts of the series. Namely everything to do with Nick Larsen and his relationship with Emily. I got the basics. I know they were deeply, madly in love before he disappeared while on the job. I understood she was grieving him as he was dead. But all the details in-between are missing. Their story is far from complete. I fear my lack of knowledge on their relationship and struggles deters from both my understanding of them as characters and their relationship, thus my enjoyment of the book is decreased.
What Darkness Does is not without merits. The relationship between Emily and her niece Flora is a major highlight for me. Flora takes such interest in forensics which Emily eagerly fosters by allowing her to sit in on autopsies and taking her to science camp. Their relationship very much proves that raising a child takes a village. It’s such a wholesome, trusting, and loving dynamic between niece and aunt that I can’t help but adore it.
Overall I enjoyed reading What Darkness Does. I very much missed things during my read having never read any other book in the series, but it does work well enough as a stand-alone. The characters are well developed, as are their relationships, and the stakes of the mystery are high even though I question their level of concern at times. Though, if you have read the rest of The Coroner’s Daughter series I do believe you will greatly enjoy the latest entry.
Thank you again to Blackstone Publishing for sending me a copy of What Darkness Does.
Again, the full length version of my review can be found on my site www.readinghasruinedmylife.com; I post new reviews every Wednesday at noon EST.
Thank you to Blackstone Publishing for sending me a copy of What Darkness Does. They aren't paying me for my review, they just sent me the book for free; all thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you very much to Blackstone Publishing for offering me a copy of today’s read. It really does mean a lot to me anytime someone out there offers me books. Thank you, thank you!
A content and trigger warning before we crack in. What Darkness Does deals heavily with sexual assault and rape. There is also child endangerment. One of the main plot lines is about a missing baby. Please release the breath I know you are holding, dear reader, the baby is ultimately fine. Finally, this book touches on PTSD and abuse. These topics are all extremely prevalent to the plot and cannot be avoided; please take care while reading.
For a story with such high stakes, I found none of the characters show their concern for baby Brooklyn’s safety. Often times a character will express concern for the child, yet they don’t show said concern. There’s not much rushing around and chasing down every lead. I found the characters too calm at times. Perhaps this issue is occurring because Emily is the main character of the series and she is the medical examiner. She’s not the lead detective, she’s not even a detective, therefore she’s not the one who is running around and chasing every lead. As the focus is on her for the vast majority of the book, the concern for the missing child is not able to be properly shown; which is a major issue given the stakes of the novel.
Another issue I had with the book, and this is more a personal issue as opposed to an actual issue with the writing and quality of the novel, is the backstory of various characters. What Darkness Does is book five in The Coroner’s Daughter series. I have never read any other book in the series. While I found the crime and mystery aspect easy to follow and understand, I was very clearly missing big parts of the series. Namely everything to do with Nick Larsen and his relationship with Emily. I got the basics. I know they were deeply, madly in love before he disappeared while on the job. I understood she was grieving him as he was dead. But all the details in-between are missing. Their story is far from complete. I fear my lack of knowledge on their relationship and struggles deters from both my understanding of them as characters and their relationship, thus my enjoyment of the book is decreased.
What Darkness Does is not without merits. The relationship between Emily and her niece Flora is a major highlight for me. Flora takes such interest in forensics which Emily eagerly fosters by allowing her to sit in on autopsies and taking her to science camp. Their relationship very much proves that raising a child takes a village. It’s such a wholesome, trusting, and loving dynamic between niece and aunt that I can’t help but adore it.
Overall I enjoyed reading What Darkness Does. I very much missed things during my read having never read any other book in the series, but it does work well enough as a stand-alone. The characters are well developed, as are their relationships, and the stakes of the mystery are high even though I question their level of concern at times. Though, if you have read the rest of The Coroner’s Daughter series I do believe you will greatly enjoy the latest entry.
Thank you again to Blackstone Publishing for sending me a copy of What Darkness Does.
Again, the full length version of my review can be found on my site www.readinghasruinedmylife.com; I post new reviews every Wednesday at noon EST.
December 5, 2025
Dr. Emily Hartford is back in Freeport and this time, she's home for good, working as the Coroner in Freeport, Michigan. This is book #5 in the Coroner Daughter's series and once again, the author nails it! I started book #1 on audible and quickly became a fan of "listening" to every book in this series versus reading the physical books. The narrator, Sophie Amoss, does a knock-out job narrating the voice of multiple characters. She truly brings Emily to life! This series resignates with me as a born and raised native of Michigan. I absolutly loved reading a story that takes place here. Fun fact, the author is from Michigan and writes this story based on her hometown of Freemont.
The story begins with the body of a young mother found floating in a Michigan lake. Dr. Hartford quickly determines that this was no accident. It also becomes apparent that this young woman recently had a baby, but the baby is no where to be found. Where is the baby?
Meanwhile, while the search for the baby goes on, Nick, Emily's old love interest is back in town. He's dealing with some serious medical issues in addition to PTSD from his time held captive in China. What happened to Nick while he was there? Will he ever be the same? Once you find out what really happened to him, you will be blown away. What will happen between him and Emily? I confess, I have been on #TeamNick since Book #1 and I am praying these two find there way to each other once and for all, and that they will live happily ever after. But, that doesn't always make for a good story, so you must read to find out what is happening with their relationship!
The author did a fantastic job creating some loveable side characters that make appearances in each book. My favorite is Delia, a retired FBI agent. Jennifer, if you are reading this, (yeah right!), umm, please, please write a Delia book! I think her backstory needs to be told! I just love her, she's such a badass and she's also the best friend everyone wants to have! And then there's Detective Aditson. He's the one you want to call when you're in trouble or when you need help. He's one of the "good" guys and works very hard to bring justice to some very evil criminals.
This story is a bit different from your typical thirller in that you find out early on who done it. But, the intense cat and mouse chase the author takes you on, along with a few red herrings, and several ah-ha moments, throw in a few twists, and you won't be able to put this down! I needed to know where the baby was, was the baby ok, and what in the world was happening with Nick and finally, where does this leave him and Emily in the end? So many questions, so little time! And in typical JGD fashion, she leaves us on a bit of a cliff-hanger, so Book #6, HURRY UP!!!!
If you like deep character development, police procedural, nail-biting cat-and-mouse chasing the bad guy, then this book is for you. Although this is book #5, you "could" read this as a stand-alone. However, I highly recommend that you read this series in order. Otherwise, you won't know all of the history of the characters, which is really important to understand where they all are today and the dynamics between them. Especially between Emily and Nick. Trust me! You will love every single one of these books!!
I give this book 4.5 wine glasses, rounded up to 5! 🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷
The story begins with the body of a young mother found floating in a Michigan lake. Dr. Hartford quickly determines that this was no accident. It also becomes apparent that this young woman recently had a baby, but the baby is no where to be found. Where is the baby?
Meanwhile, while the search for the baby goes on, Nick, Emily's old love interest is back in town. He's dealing with some serious medical issues in addition to PTSD from his time held captive in China. What happened to Nick while he was there? Will he ever be the same? Once you find out what really happened to him, you will be blown away. What will happen between him and Emily? I confess, I have been on #TeamNick since Book #1 and I am praying these two find there way to each other once and for all, and that they will live happily ever after. But, that doesn't always make for a good story, so you must read to find out what is happening with their relationship!
The author did a fantastic job creating some loveable side characters that make appearances in each book. My favorite is Delia, a retired FBI agent. Jennifer, if you are reading this, (yeah right!), umm, please, please write a Delia book! I think her backstory needs to be told! I just love her, she's such a badass and she's also the best friend everyone wants to have! And then there's Detective Aditson. He's the one you want to call when you're in trouble or when you need help. He's one of the "good" guys and works very hard to bring justice to some very evil criminals.
This story is a bit different from your typical thirller in that you find out early on who done it. But, the intense cat and mouse chase the author takes you on, along with a few red herrings, and several ah-ha moments, throw in a few twists, and you won't be able to put this down! I needed to know where the baby was, was the baby ok, and what in the world was happening with Nick and finally, where does this leave him and Emily in the end? So many questions, so little time! And in typical JGD fashion, she leaves us on a bit of a cliff-hanger, so Book #6, HURRY UP!!!!
If you like deep character development, police procedural, nail-biting cat-and-mouse chasing the bad guy, then this book is for you. Although this is book #5, you "could" read this as a stand-alone. However, I highly recommend that you read this series in order. Otherwise, you won't know all of the history of the characters, which is really important to understand where they all are today and the dynamics between them. Especially between Emily and Nick. Trust me! You will love every single one of these books!!
I give this book 4.5 wine glasses, rounded up to 5! 🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷
November 27, 2025
📚What Darkness Does
✍🏻Jennifer Graeser Dornbush
Blurb:
Dr. Emily Hartford finds herself dredging the depths of Lake Isabella—and her own past relationship—in What Darkness Does, the next thrilling mystery from Jennifer Graeser Dornbush.
Called in to investigate the body of a young mother found floating in a small Michigan lake, Freeport coroner Dr. Emily Hartford quickly determines that Samantha Browdey was murdered. Among the many questions circling this horrifying event is one that yanks hard on Emily’s Where is Samantha’s infant daughter? Working alongside police detective Isode Aditson, Emily becomes ferociously determined to find the missing baby, Brooklyn.
At the same time, Emily’s longtime boyfriend Nick Larsen has reappeared—after being missing, presumed dead, for over a year. But Nick has changed. Badly injured and severely traumatized, the ex-cop turned FBI agent is a different man, one who has endured unimaginable brutality and then buried his secrets deep. Nick has a long road ahead … but he’s not a patient man, and catching a sadistic killer seems like good enough therapy to him.
Emily has her doubts, but what’s clear is that a cruel killer’s reign of terror must be stopped, one way or another. Their foe is formidable, increasingly bold, and brutally reckless. To catch this monster, Nick must battle his own demons, while Emily puzzles together the mystery of Brooklyn’s whereabouts, in hopes of giving a grieving family a happy ending.
My Thoughts:
Dr. Emily Hartford is a county coroner and the daughter of the former county coroner in one of the
northern counties in the mitten of Michigan. Her former lover has recently escaped from China and elsewhere in the east/middle east and is no longer the easy-going ex-cop/FBI agent. But Emily is working with local cops to try to find the killer of a young local woman whose baby is missiTrigger warnings: serial murder, kidnapping, spousal abuse, forced drowning, violence, child endangerment, PTSD, sexual assault.ng. The story is complex and very twisty, but also a very good read.
Thanks NetGalley, Blackstone Publishing, Inc and Author Jennifer Graeser Dornbush for the advanced copy of "What Darkness Does" I am leaving my honest review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#BlackstonePublishing Inc
#WhatDarknessDoes
#BlackstonePublishingInc
#JenniferGraeserDombush
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⚠️Trigger warnings: serial murder, kidnapping, spousal abuse, forced drowning, violence, child
✍🏻Jennifer Graeser Dornbush
Blurb:
Dr. Emily Hartford finds herself dredging the depths of Lake Isabella—and her own past relationship—in What Darkness Does, the next thrilling mystery from Jennifer Graeser Dornbush.
Called in to investigate the body of a young mother found floating in a small Michigan lake, Freeport coroner Dr. Emily Hartford quickly determines that Samantha Browdey was murdered. Among the many questions circling this horrifying event is one that yanks hard on Emily’s Where is Samantha’s infant daughter? Working alongside police detective Isode Aditson, Emily becomes ferociously determined to find the missing baby, Brooklyn.
At the same time, Emily’s longtime boyfriend Nick Larsen has reappeared—after being missing, presumed dead, for over a year. But Nick has changed. Badly injured and severely traumatized, the ex-cop turned FBI agent is a different man, one who has endured unimaginable brutality and then buried his secrets deep. Nick has a long road ahead … but he’s not a patient man, and catching a sadistic killer seems like good enough therapy to him.
Emily has her doubts, but what’s clear is that a cruel killer’s reign of terror must be stopped, one way or another. Their foe is formidable, increasingly bold, and brutally reckless. To catch this monster, Nick must battle his own demons, while Emily puzzles together the mystery of Brooklyn’s whereabouts, in hopes of giving a grieving family a happy ending.
My Thoughts:
Dr. Emily Hartford is a county coroner and the daughter of the former county coroner in one of the
northern counties in the mitten of Michigan. Her former lover has recently escaped from China and elsewhere in the east/middle east and is no longer the easy-going ex-cop/FBI agent. But Emily is working with local cops to try to find the killer of a young local woman whose baby is missiTrigger warnings: serial murder, kidnapping, spousal abuse, forced drowning, violence, child endangerment, PTSD, sexual assault.ng. The story is complex and very twisty, but also a very good read.
Thanks NetGalley, Blackstone Publishing, Inc and Author Jennifer Graeser Dornbush for the advanced copy of "What Darkness Does" I am leaving my honest review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#BlackstonePublishing Inc
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#JenniferGraeserDombush
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⚠️Trigger warnings: serial murder, kidnapping, spousal abuse, forced drowning, violence, child
December 25, 2025
This book reminded me exactly why I fell in love with crime thrillers in the first place. While this is technically book five in The Coroner’s Daughter Mystery, it works perfectly as a standalone. I jumped right in with no issues and was instantly hooked.
We follow Dr. Emily Hartford, the medical examiner for Freeport County, as she’s called to examine the body of a young mother pulled from a Michigan lake. From there, the story spirals fast. We know who committed the crime—but the real tension comes from uncovering why and figuring out where he’s gone. And every time you think the investigation is closing in, the killer stays one step ahead, growing more dangerous with each move.
The twists are relentless. Just when you think you’ve cracked part of the motive, the story pivots and reframes everything. I was fully invested, frustrated right alongside the police and FBI, and glued to every chapter as the hunt intensified.
What really elevated this story were the layered subplots. Alongside the main investigation, we get moments of humanity, connection, and deeper psychological tension that all feed into the final pursuit. It made the world feel real and lived-in—and had me feeling like I was right there with Emily as the net tightened.
The audiobook narration by Sophie Amoss was phenomenal. She delivered emotional depth across every character, captured the strain of the investigation, and even slipped convincingly into the killer’s mindset. I’ll absolutely be seeking out more books she narrates.
I devoured this thriller and am officially invested in continuing the series. Freeport County has some dark secrets—and I’m ready to uncover more of them.
Thank you to @librofm and @blackstonepublishing for the gifted ALC in exchange for an honest review.
We follow Dr. Emily Hartford, the medical examiner for Freeport County, as she’s called to examine the body of a young mother pulled from a Michigan lake. From there, the story spirals fast. We know who committed the crime—but the real tension comes from uncovering why and figuring out where he’s gone. And every time you think the investigation is closing in, the killer stays one step ahead, growing more dangerous with each move.
The twists are relentless. Just when you think you’ve cracked part of the motive, the story pivots and reframes everything. I was fully invested, frustrated right alongside the police and FBI, and glued to every chapter as the hunt intensified.
What really elevated this story were the layered subplots. Alongside the main investigation, we get moments of humanity, connection, and deeper psychological tension that all feed into the final pursuit. It made the world feel real and lived-in—and had me feeling like I was right there with Emily as the net tightened.
The audiobook narration by Sophie Amoss was phenomenal. She delivered emotional depth across every character, captured the strain of the investigation, and even slipped convincingly into the killer’s mindset. I’ll absolutely be seeking out more books she narrates.
I devoured this thriller and am officially invested in continuing the series. Freeport County has some dark secrets—and I’m ready to uncover more of them.
Thank you to @librofm and @blackstonepublishing for the gifted ALC in exchange for an honest review.
July 27, 2025
“What Darkness Does,” by Jennifer Graeser Dornbush, is book 5 in her Coroner’s Daughter series. Although this book can be read as a standalone, it is helpful to have read the previous books since
It helps to more fully explain the various ongoing relationships. Coroner Dr. Emily Hartford investigates a string of murders in the vicinity of her small town in Michigan. The murderer is rather relentless and at one point I started to feel a little overwhelmed by his rampage. Eventually, the book develops the story of Emily’s longtime boyfriend Nick, who has escaped a harrowing experience while working for the FBI. There are some lighter moments when Emily helps her niece Flora to learn more about forensic investigation. Unlike previous books, I feel this book is more gruesome but it’s inspired by a true crime. As with her other books, this one does explain some interesting technical details, specifically about conducting an autopsy, performing a grid search, and genetic investigation. This book was a page turner and had plenty of action. I enjoyed the book and will continue to read this series.
It helps to more fully explain the various ongoing relationships. Coroner Dr. Emily Hartford investigates a string of murders in the vicinity of her small town in Michigan. The murderer is rather relentless and at one point I started to feel a little overwhelmed by his rampage. Eventually, the book develops the story of Emily’s longtime boyfriend Nick, who has escaped a harrowing experience while working for the FBI. There are some lighter moments when Emily helps her niece Flora to learn more about forensic investigation. Unlike previous books, I feel this book is more gruesome but it’s inspired by a true crime. As with her other books, this one does explain some interesting technical details, specifically about conducting an autopsy, performing a grid search, and genetic investigation. This book was a page turner and had plenty of action. I enjoyed the book and will continue to read this series.
December 19, 2025
For the love of all that is good in this world, this author needs to speak to experts about the stories she is going to write. If you want to write medical mysteries, at least get the details of testing and treatment correct. A quick google would have caught most of these errors. Acute TB is not diagnosed with a PPD. A patient does not nonchalantly rip out an IV and a PICC line and just walk out of the hospital with no worries. Doing so does not make the man a hero. It makes him stupid.
The author clearly has a hero complex and all of her characters doing all these spy games and crazy actions feels like a self insert from someone who feels their life is too boring. If these books had not been gifted to me, I'd no longer be reading or listening. Alas, I'm not one to turn down a free book and maybe my review will save someone else the frustration.
If the author sees this - please hire some experts and a better editor. Use an outline with concrete timelines. FIX the continuity errors. These story lines have potential but they do not even remotely begin to live in the same zip code to reach it.
The author clearly has a hero complex and all of her characters doing all these spy games and crazy actions feels like a self insert from someone who feels their life is too boring. If these books had not been gifted to me, I'd no longer be reading or listening. Alas, I'm not one to turn down a free book and maybe my review will save someone else the frustration.
If the author sees this - please hire some experts and a better editor. Use an outline with concrete timelines. FIX the continuity errors. These story lines have potential but they do not even remotely begin to live in the same zip code to reach it.
October 18, 2025
Dr. Emily Hartford is a county coroner and the daughter of the former county coroner in one of the
northern counties in the mitten of Michigan. Her former lover has recently escaped from China and elsewhere in the east/middle east and is no longer the easy-going ex-cop/FBI agent. But Emily is working with local cops to try to find the killer of a young local woman whose baby is missing. The story is complex and very twisty, but also a very good read.
Trigger warnings: serial murder, kidnapping, spousal abuse, forced drowning, violence, child endangerment, PTSD, sexual assault.
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected digital galley from Blackstone Publishing via Netgalley.
#WhatDarknessDoes by Jennifer Graeser Dornbush @jgdornbush (CoronersDaughterBk5) @blackstonepublishing #familydynamics #mittenmichigan #murderinvestigation #CrimeFiction #Suspense #Mystery #MissingChild #grief #unputdownable #secrets #lies #CoronersDaughter #locallaw #fbi #ptsd #spousalabuse
northern counties in the mitten of Michigan. Her former lover has recently escaped from China and elsewhere in the east/middle east and is no longer the easy-going ex-cop/FBI agent. But Emily is working with local cops to try to find the killer of a young local woman whose baby is missing. The story is complex and very twisty, but also a very good read.
Trigger warnings: serial murder, kidnapping, spousal abuse, forced drowning, violence, child endangerment, PTSD, sexual assault.
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected digital galley from Blackstone Publishing via Netgalley.
#WhatDarknessDoes by Jennifer Graeser Dornbush @jgdornbush (CoronersDaughterBk5) @blackstonepublishing #familydynamics #mittenmichigan #murderinvestigation #CrimeFiction #Suspense #Mystery #MissingChild #grief #unputdownable #secrets #lies #CoronersDaughter #locallaw #fbi #ptsd #spousalabuse
October 27, 2025
Holy cow, this book! It was masterfully written, so meticulously researched and vividly detailed that it left me absolutely speechless. The story flips between different characters and viewpoints, keeping me on the edge of my seat the entire time. Unlike typical crime fiction, you know from the very start who committed the crime. You follow the assailant through their series of crimes and their intricate escape plan, all while the detectives race to catch up. This unconventional storytelling style was so captivating that I simply couldn’t put the book down.
The story gains even more depth through the FMC’s complex relationships, with her sister and nieces, as well as her longtime boyfriend, who has just returned from a harrowing imprisonment in China. These personal dynamics add emotional weight and humanity to the relentless pace of the crime narrative, making the book not just thrilling, but profoundly moving.
The story gains even more depth through the FMC’s complex relationships, with her sister and nieces, as well as her longtime boyfriend, who has just returned from a harrowing imprisonment in China. These personal dynamics add emotional weight and humanity to the relentless pace of the crime narrative, making the book not just thrilling, but profoundly moving.
July 22, 2025
Thank you, Blackstone Publishing, for providing the copy of What Darkness Does by Jennifer Graeser Dornbush. This book was uneven for me, both in the story and the writing style. I wavered between loving it and being bored. I wasn’t thrilled with how the book started with a bunch of character introductions without much context, because it was confusing, and those characters didn’t make much of an impression. I loved Emily’s relationship with her niece, and how she was interested in learning about forensics. It felt like the book ended abruptly and too easily after everything they did to find him. If you’re already reading this series, you will love this book. 3 stars
August 15, 2025
What Darkness does by Jennifer Graeser Dornbush. Let me just say I have been waiting for this conclusion for a while. Wrapped up the books in this series nicely, just not as I hoped. Crushing me a bit. This is a great investigative series from start to finish. Love the characters which drew me in and left me wanting and waiting for the next book release. I’m giving it 4 stars because I wanted a different ending for sure. Thank you to #NetGalley and #BlackstonePublishing for this arc. This is my honest review. Releases Oct 21,2025. #JenniferGraeserDornbush…I’m going to need a novella!!
November 7, 2025
Thank you to Jennifer Graeser Dornbush and Blackstone Publishing for sending me a copy of this book! I was lucky enough to win it through a Goodreads giveaway.
I absolutely love the cover—it’s mysterious and intriguing, the kind that immediately draws you in. I’m currently on Chapter 6 and reading this as a standalone. However, I feel like I might be missing some background information about the characters and their relationships. I’d really like to learn more about them before continuing, so I may go back and read the earlier books in the series first.
I absolutely love the cover—it’s mysterious and intriguing, the kind that immediately draws you in. I’m currently on Chapter 6 and reading this as a standalone. However, I feel like I might be missing some background information about the characters and their relationships. I’d really like to learn more about them before continuing, so I may go back and read the earlier books in the series first.
December 5, 2025
What Darkness Does, which immediately dunked me into the cold waters of Lake Isabella emotionally and literally. Dr. Emily Hartford’s determination to solve a murder while tracking a missing baby already had my heart racing, but throwing in Nick, her presumed-dead ex, shambling back into her life like a wounded shadow? I was done for. The tension between them, the urgency of the investigation, the escalating danger this audiobook felt like being dragged through a storm with no time to catch a breath. I would die for baby Brooklyn, that's all.
November 7, 2025
I absolutely loved What Darkness Does! It’s definitely my favorite in the series. The changing points of view in each chapter kept me really engaged, and the suspense was so well done. I also loved the character development and how the forensic details were woven into the story—it all felt real and kept me hooked from start to finish. I have loved following along with Emily - and seeing how her character evolves. I cannot wait to see what Jennifer creates next!
December 16, 2025
I’ve been a fan of this series since the beginning. I liked this one. The mystery was good, it kept you on your toes and had many twists and turns. This book has many different POVs- more than in the previous books if I’m remembering correctly. It was definitely and interesting perspective and not something you find in a lot of books. I still hope to see some resolution to Emily’s personal life in future books.
July 27, 2025
I enjoyed the story and the main character, Dr Emily Hartford. It's a huge cast of characters rotating in and out and it was somewhat confusing til it started to come together. The only character I had trouble with was the FBI agent. I didn't care for him at all. Otherwise, this was an entertaining mystery that held my attention til I finished it.
Thanks for the ARC Netgalley!
Thanks for the ARC Netgalley!
December 24, 2025
3.5. Like Nancy Drew for adults! I enjoyed the narration for this particular type of storytelling. The drama was good and I was interested in both the case and the characters’ personal lives. Didn’t appreciate the hints of Christianity throughout. Sure, they were subtle but I’m good on that lol.
November 18, 2025
I have loved this series from the beginning! This one, not so much. The story was good, but I was super frustrated with how judgy Emily was during this entire book! That was disappointing.
November 19, 2025
Literally couldn't put it down. This is one of my favorite series of all time
November 22, 2025
I was blessed to win this book. I am a Michigander and this book was written in Michigan. It was so good. Murder, kidnapping, struggles, lies, military struggles when out. I really enjoy it.
November 25, 2025
Being told the killer in the first chapter was lame. Kept waiting for a twist
December 1, 2025
Excellent story and great details. I live in Newaygo County where the Timmerman murder took place. Gabrion is still a deeply disturbed psycho. Unfortunate that his sentence was commuted.
December 28, 2025
Another goodie from one of my favorite series!
December 29, 2025
I loved this book. I pray things work out for them....Can't wait until the next book.
December 30, 2025
Such an amazing story. Lots of twisty turns. Loved it!!
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