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Soren Chase
Closed at Dark
When a mysterious creature targets a young boy, only paranormal investigator Soren Chase can stop it. But can Soren save the boy in time?
For Soren, the case is personal. The boy's father was John Townes, Soren's best friend who died in a supernatural attack several years earlier. Soren will do anything to save John's son, but he must act fast. Because the kidnapper has a mission of his own, and he's willing to destroy anyone who gets in his way...
A prequel to the full-length novel The Forest of Forever, Closed at Dark is a self-contained novella that can be enjoyed by anyone who loves urban fantasy, mystery and suspense.
129 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 9, 2014
157 people are currently reading
402 people want to read
About the author
Rob Blackwell
15 books114 followersRob is an award-winning journalist with 17 years' experience, and the author of The Sanheim Chronicles and The Soren Chase novels, two series that combine urban fantasy, mystery and suspense.
His first novel, A Soul to Steal, was featured on USA Today and praised by book bloggers and readers alike for its great plot and "fantastic ending." Many of his other books have been Kindle bestsellers.
As a journalist, Rob has won several Virginia Press Association awards and has been the co-winner of two Jesse H. Neal awards for business journalism. In 2017, he was awarded the prestigious Tim White Award for Editorial Integrity, which recognizes a journalist “whose work demonstrates extraordinary courage, integrity and passion.”
He has appeared several times on various media outlets, including NPR, BBC, Fox Business, CNBC and C-Span.
Rob lives in Virginia with his wife and two children.
His first novel, A Soul to Steal, was featured on USA Today and praised by book bloggers and readers alike for its great plot and "fantastic ending." Many of his other books have been Kindle bestsellers.
As a journalist, Rob has won several Virginia Press Association awards and has been the co-winner of two Jesse H. Neal awards for business journalism. In 2017, he was awarded the prestigious Tim White Award for Editorial Integrity, which recognizes a journalist “whose work demonstrates extraordinary courage, integrity and passion.”
He has appeared several times on various media outlets, including NPR, BBC, Fox Business, CNBC and C-Span.
Rob lives in Virginia with his wife and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
November 14, 2022
4,5 stars - English Ebook
Quote :The police wouldn’t be able to help. But she knew one man who could.-
Quote: “He was unusually tall and had pale skin,” Sara said. “Also, he had these weird eyes. They were silver, like coins. Or liquid mercury. They were awful to look at.”-
Quote: “I grew up with your father,” Soren said. “We met when we were about your age.” “What was he like?” “The best man I ever knew,” Soren said without hesitation. “Was he smart?” “Very,” Soren replied. “Funny?” Alex asked. “He used to wait until I was drinking something to say something funny just so he could watch it come out of my nose,” Soren said.-
Quote: According to the book, shades were related to ghosts, with one significant difference. They were the spirits of people who in life had psychic powers.-
It's a supernatural detective. Witch I liked a lot. Their is a tall man with white hair and mercury eyes. It's a shade. Their is power in the just name of a creature. Otherwise you will lose. When Alex is taken from the playground his mother just can save him. Sara can only think of one man who can help her. Paranormal investigator Soren. A man she did not she after she lost her husband.
Quote :The police wouldn’t be able to help. But she knew one man who could.-
Quote: “He was unusually tall and had pale skin,” Sara said. “Also, he had these weird eyes. They were silver, like coins. Or liquid mercury. They were awful to look at.”-
Quote: “I grew up with your father,” Soren said. “We met when we were about your age.” “What was he like?” “The best man I ever knew,” Soren said without hesitation. “Was he smart?” “Very,” Soren replied. “Funny?” Alex asked. “He used to wait until I was drinking something to say something funny just so he could watch it come out of my nose,” Soren said.-
Quote: According to the book, shades were related to ghosts, with one significant difference. They were the spirits of people who in life had psychic powers.-
It's a supernatural detective. Witch I liked a lot. Their is a tall man with white hair and mercury eyes. It's a shade. Their is power in the just name of a creature. Otherwise you will lose. When Alex is taken from the playground his mother just can save him. Sara can only think of one man who can help her. Paranormal investigator Soren. A man she did not she after she lost her husband.
October 5, 2017
I liked Closed At Dark. It was an intense read that held my attention. For being so short, I found the story interesting and not boring at all. I didn't like the language (including some f-bombs), but besides that really enjoyed it.
April 11, 2017
Nice little teaser and intro into the world of Soren Chase. Luckily the trilogy is out, so I can immediately go read them.
September 20, 2017
Ok so this was a pretty good book and I am not really into mystery books. But this novella really had me hooked from the beginning , many times me screaming at my ereader "WHO IS IT!!!" I was really invested...lol. I was very interested in Soren's past and we only got a little glimpse at it. Instantly I wanted to no more. I wanted to know what happened to Sarah's husband. But most importantly I WANT TO KNOW WHAT GIFT ALEX HAS!!! That was so cruel to let us know that he was special but then not tell me how. The twist were ridiculous, I would have never thought that Richard Frye was the Dreamweaver, hell after the first few pages I completely forgot all about him. Then WHAM here he is.
Really a good read!
Really a good read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 23, 2015
A terrifying topic, a story that sucks you in and will not allow you to put the book down, these are characteristics of all of Rob Blackwell's novels and this is no exception.
Really creepy, heart pounding and honestly just a tease as to what's to come in the next installment ~ can you get us Forest of Forever ASAP please?!?!?
You will not be disappointed in this novella ~ so well written, continue to be a fan of all of the author's work.
Really creepy, heart pounding and honestly just a tease as to what's to come in the next installment ~ can you get us Forest of Forever ASAP please?!?!?
You will not be disappointed in this novella ~ so well written, continue to be a fan of all of the author's work.
February 26, 2017
I am officially in love with the Soren Chase series!
This story centres around a parents worst nightmare - your child being abducted. As with all Soren's cases the paranormal is firmly entrenched in the mystery and Soren is more than a little stumped as to who, or what, our perpetrator is.
The book is novella length and makes a very quick, tightly paced read. I must read more!!!
This story centres around a parents worst nightmare - your child being abducted. As with all Soren's cases the paranormal is firmly entrenched in the mystery and Soren is more than a little stumped as to who, or what, our perpetrator is.
The book is novella length and makes a very quick, tightly paced read. I must read more!!!
February 10, 2015
I loved this book. If you loved the first series, this novella gives me great hope for his next saga to exceed all of my expectations. If you love a story that gives you the creeps and keeps you awake at night, then this is the one for you. Rob Blackwell has done it again.
February 12, 2015
Great quick read
Excellent little jaunt into the paranormal world. Look forward to more of Soren and his paranormal investigations. Very intriguing and sure to hook me in for the series!
Excellent little jaunt into the paranormal world. Look forward to more of Soren and his paranormal investigations. Very intriguing and sure to hook me in for the series!
January 19, 2020
A good paranormal mystery.
Soren is a torture man who feels guilty for the death of his best friend. When the man's widow asks him to protect her son, he takes the case. A man with white hair and silver is trying to take her son away. Soren has to find out what type of creature the man is, and discovers the man is involved with the disappearance of other boys. This is filled with many twists. I like the action. The climax a great and has surprises. I am going to read the crest of this series.
Soren is a torture man who feels guilty for the death of his best friend. When the man's widow asks him to protect her son, he takes the case. A man with white hair and silver is trying to take her son away. Soren has to find out what type of creature the man is, and discovers the man is involved with the disappearance of other boys. This is filled with many twists. I like the action. The climax a great and has surprises. I am going to read the crest of this series.
July 30, 2017
A novella prequel to the Soren Chase series, this one deals with what happened with Sara and Alex (the fiance and child of Soren's partner who was killed) and why supernatural bounty hunters are after the boy. Soren investigates when a strange, tall, white-haired man with silver eyes tries to abduct Alex. I thought it was well-written, it kept my attention throughout, and the plot was good. Looking forward to reading the full books.
July 12, 2017
Rob Blackwell is one of those authors who consistently writes good books. I always know I can lose myself for a few hours in one of his stories. If this is your genre, you can't go wrong. I enjoyed Closed At Dark very much and can't wait to read the next Soren Chase novel.
For those who want to know: This one has some language and a bit of violence.
For those who want to know: This one has some language and a bit of violence.
February 28, 2018
Closed at Dark by Rob Blackwell
This is a terrific story. It's been done before, obviously, but is done very well here. Soren is a paranormal investigator with a questionable past. Armed only with his knowledge of the hidden dangers, he must save his friend and her son. Good characters and limited background information make this a mystery series worth following.
This is a terrific story. It's been done before, obviously, but is done very well here. Soren is a paranormal investigator with a questionable past. Armed only with his knowledge of the hidden dangers, he must save his friend and her son. Good characters and limited background information make this a mystery series worth following.
March 2, 2019
I liked the fantasy creatures in this book. They were different than many of the other urban fantasies I have read. There are only so many takes on vampires and weres that can be written before they get a bit boring. All the characters were fighters and I really liked that as well. The helpless damsel in distress has gotten stale, too. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
July 21, 2019
Closed at Dark (Soren Chase Series) by Rob Blackwell is a 5 star paranormal thriller, and it is VERY thrilling. Soren Chase is a PI - paranormal investigator. Couldn't put this book down - read it straight through. Pretty darn exciting! More books in the series, so I'll be reading them all shortly!
March 19, 2018
Closed at Dark
Though short, Closed at Dark is intense and action packed. Character development is handled well, and the story is well paced. I look forward to reading more in this series.
Though short, Closed at Dark is intense and action packed. Character development is handled well, and the story is well paced. I look forward to reading more in this series.
June 30, 2018
Fastpaced
Not bad. If you read the Soren Chase series first, there are points in this novella that make you shake your head. One is the introduction of Glen to Soren. Another is the mention of Ken's unit and the blame he puts on Soren. Otherwise, cohesive and entertaining.
Not bad. If you read the Soren Chase series first, there are points in this novella that make you shake your head. One is the introduction of Glen to Soren. Another is the mention of Ken's unit and the blame he puts on Soren. Otherwise, cohesive and entertaining.
October 9, 2019
I'm impressed!
This book was very well written. A clear intriguing storyline with a lot less confusion than a lot of books these days. Looking forward to the next one!
This book was very well written. A clear intriguing storyline with a lot less confusion than a lot of books these days. Looking forward to the next one!
July 2, 2021
Strange little book but yet good read.
September 28, 2024
Surprisingly good!
This is the first book I've read by this author and I can't wait to read the next book. Hooked me immediately!!
This is the first book I've read by this author and I can't wait to read the next book. Hooked me immediately!!
March 18, 2017
If you've read the comic/graphic novel or seen the movie Constantine, then this is right up your alley. There are elements of the supernatural, police procedures, interesting and convoluted back stories, creatures that haunt your dreams and nightmare's, and a very interesting love angle. There was also a very interesting cliff hangers at the end of the story.
May 6, 2015
Rather disappointing for Rob Blackwell. Perhaps the novella is not his strong suit. I figured it out almost immediately, and it wasn't the same as figuring out the reveal in his novels. With his novels he leaves a lot of clues and hints.. just flashes here and there. He then buries them in enough doubt that you are never really really really certain so when the reveal happens you shout "I knew it!" but you really just strongly suspected. Then after the big reveal, even more good stuff is explained.
Unfortunately, in this one, the reveal was so obvious and nothing was placed as an obstacle to make you start second-guessing. Instead, you start questioning whether these "investigators" have even half a brain. After what is so obvious is revealed, nothing new helps you to understand anymore than when you started. With a prequel, you are suppose to be given information that strengthens the over-all back story, or a deeper insight of the main character to strengthen the greater story.
As always, it was fun and the best that can be said is we are introduced to more players in the paranormal panorama: Their are more creepy things than Pretenders and here is an introduction to two. Another thing is Soren's realization that not all paranormal beings are evil and totally soul-less, an understanding that might help with book two of this series considering where book one ended.
Rob Blackwell is an exceptionally gifted wordsmith, but I was never quite so happy that this offering was only a novella. I did not have to spend too much time on it.
Unfortunately, in this one, the reveal was so obvious and nothing was placed as an obstacle to make you start second-guessing. Instead, you start questioning whether these "investigators" have even half a brain. After what is so obvious is revealed, nothing new helps you to understand anymore than when you started. With a prequel, you are suppose to be given information that strengthens the over-all back story, or a deeper insight of the main character to strengthen the greater story.
As always, it was fun and the best that can be said is we are introduced to more players in the paranormal panorama: Their are more creepy things than Pretenders and here is an introduction to two. Another thing is Soren's realization that not all paranormal beings are evil and totally soul-less, an understanding that might help with book two of this series considering where book one ended.
Rob Blackwell is an exceptionally gifted wordsmith, but I was never quite so happy that this offering was only a novella. I did not have to spend too much time on it.
February 16, 2017
Great paranormal
If you love the supernatural or paranormal you will love this book. Very well wrote and it keeps you guessing hard to figure out who or what the guy is. Loved it!
If you love the supernatural or paranormal you will love this book. Very well wrote and it keeps you guessing hard to figure out who or what the guy is. Loved it!
October 22, 2015
OK, I am now officially a Rob Blackwell fan.
I love the characters even though their backstories are only being revealed in drips and drabs, I still find them relatable and certainly riveting. Even in a novella, which often feel rushed - this is the best one I've personally read.
I think that writing characters that are mysterious and highly fallible, yet make a reader care about what has happened and will happen to them, is tricky. I recently finished a paranormal book by a different author, and even by the end, I just couldn't get behind the lead characters.
Soren Chase is the kind of antihero I can root for. He may not know exactly what he's doing, but he runs sraight into the monster fray regardless. Someone has to, right?
I truly hope this becomes a long series, because the possibilities are endless.
I love the characters even though their backstories are only being revealed in drips and drabs, I still find them relatable and certainly riveting. Even in a novella, which often feel rushed - this is the best one I've personally read.
I think that writing characters that are mysterious and highly fallible, yet make a reader care about what has happened and will happen to them, is tricky. I recently finished a paranormal book by a different author, and even by the end, I just couldn't get behind the lead characters.
Soren Chase is the kind of antihero I can root for. He may not know exactly what he's doing, but he runs sraight into the monster fray regardless. Someone has to, right?
I truly hope this becomes a long series, because the possibilities are endless.
August 15, 2016
Blackwell continues to impress with this prequel to Soren Chase’s adventures. Here we see Soren’s issues striking close and personal with his need to protect his dead best friend’s gal and her kid from a supernatural kidnapper, all the while confronting his own survivor’s guilt about the event that took his friend’s lives but spared his. All the while, the suspicions of the cops focus on him.
The nature of the monster neatly dovetails with the nature of the characters’ internal struggles, and for those who have read Forest of Forever, the first full-length novel, there are some interesting hints that will jump out at you. Not a book to miss.
The nature of the monster neatly dovetails with the nature of the characters’ internal struggles, and for those who have read Forest of Forever, the first full-length novel, there are some interesting hints that will jump out at you. Not a book to miss.
May 31, 2015
Closed at Dark is a prequel to the Kindle Scout Selection, The Forest of Forever. In this novella, Blackwell introduces us to the paranormal investigator, Soren Chase, expertly blending suspense and exposition in a tightly compressed novella. This is a world where monsters lurk, where little is what it seems, and where doubts and regrets pursue our protagonist just as passionately as the monsters he seeks to release. Blackwell has setup an entry into an exciting world, one that looks worth pursuing.
December 31, 2015
I liked this on a lot, even though I read this completely by accident( I share my kindle with the hubby and it was one of his stories). The novella did a good job of laying down just enough of the world and introducing the star of the series paranormal investigator Soren Chase, while on the hunt for a would be 'kidnapper' who is not human. It also left enough teasing questions to leave me looking for the next book.
September 27, 2016
A tad dark
Echoes of the tv series 'Grimm' with one man, Soren hunting paranormal creatures that most people don't know exist. There's a back story hinted at with his relationship to Sara's dead fiance John, father of her one child, Alex. There is a few hints that there is something special to be revealed about about Alex in a later book. Soreness is a tormented soul with very little human contact. Those who enjoy the tv series Grimm should be fascinated by this storyline.
Echoes of the tv series 'Grimm' with one man, Soren hunting paranormal creatures that most people don't know exist. There's a back story hinted at with his relationship to Sara's dead fiance John, father of her one child, Alex. There is a few hints that there is something special to be revealed about about Alex in a later book. Soreness is a tormented soul with very little human contact. Those who enjoy the tv series Grimm should be fascinated by this storyline.
April 11, 2015
A fast paced story of supernatural showdowns.
Sore.n Chase is a paranormal investiger and so when an old friend shows up on his doorstep needing help he responds immediately with knowledge that this is unlike any other he has has handled.
This is a read you wouldn't want to miss. It may be short but I want to read the next in this series.
Brenda
Sore.n Chase is a paranormal investiger and so when an old friend shows up on his doorstep needing help he responds immediately with knowledge that this is unlike any other he has has handled.
This is a read you wouldn't want to miss. It may be short but I want to read the next in this series.
Brenda
July 2, 2015
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The story is well written and it kept me flipping pages as quick as I could. The world is modern day where children are stolen and sold except the bad guy is a literally a horrible monster. There was a strong mystery that came together fairly quickly, but in a novella you would expect no less. Mr. Blackwell had me guessing right up til the end.
The story is well written and it kept me flipping pages as quick as I could. The world is modern day where children are stolen and sold except the bad guy is a literally a horrible monster. There was a strong mystery that came together fairly quickly, but in a novella you would expect no less. Mr. Blackwell had me guessing right up til the end.
December 11, 2015
Loved this novella
I was hooked from the beginning to the end. The story starts right away, no lulls, and character development was great! One editing error I did notice but does in no way detract from the story. I am hooked on Sorenson and this amazing writer. Reading the next book now.
I was hooked from the beginning to the end. The story starts right away, no lulls, and character development was great! One editing error I did notice but does in no way detract from the story. I am hooked on Sorenson and this amazing writer. Reading the next book now.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews