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Peter Ash #9
The Dark Time
At the suggestion of his girlfriend, June, Peter Ash rides to the aid of an investigative reporter who may have stumbled on a story more explosive than even he can handle in this propulsive new thriller from the bestselling and award-winning series.
Katelyn Thorsen, known as KT to her friends, is an independent journalist tracking down the story of her career--a group of white nationalists who have infiltrated the local political culture of the Pacific Northwest. But these are not people to be trifled with and the story of her career may quickly turn out to be the last story of her life.
Fortunately, Peter Ash has arrived in town to look out for KT at the request of his girlfriend, June Cassidy. From the moment of his arrival, he's thrown into a maelstrom of violence trying to protect KT and her daughter. Peter's a man who's always risen to every challenge, but this one may be too much for even him.
Katelyn Thorsen, known as KT to her friends, is an independent journalist tracking down the story of her career--a group of white nationalists who have infiltrated the local political culture of the Pacific Northwest. But these are not people to be trifled with and the story of her career may quickly turn out to be the last story of her life.
Fortunately, Peter Ash has arrived in town to look out for KT at the request of his girlfriend, June Cassidy. From the moment of his arrival, he's thrown into a maelstrom of violence trying to protect KT and her daughter. Peter's a man who's always risen to every challenge, but this one may be too much for even him.
Audible Audio
First published March 10, 2026
About the author
Nick Petrie
17 books1,250 followersNick Petrie received his MFA in fiction from the University of Washington, won a Hopwood Award for short fiction while an undergraduate at the University of Michigan, and his story “At the Laundromat” won the 2006 Short Story Contest in The Seattle Review, a national literary journal. A husband and father, he has worked as a carpenter, remodeling contractor, and building inspector. He lives in Milwaukee.
For more on Nick Petrie, see his website NickPetrie.com, or find him on Facebook or Twitter.
For more on Nick Petrie, see his website NickPetrie.com, or find him on Facebook or Twitter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
March 18, 2026
Nick Petrie cannot write a boring book. I am exhausted by the time the ending comes and it arrives way too early. I do wish he would put out books in this series at a more frequent pace. But then again, I cannot write a lick so who am I to complain.
Peter Ash cannot leave a man behind. I feel this statement is an accurate description of his life. So it is natural for him to become the soldier of his past again when a life is being threatened. He becomes involved in this incidence when his long time girlfriend asks him to check on KT, her friend and mentor. KT was receiving threats which seemed more intense than usual. From this point the writing picks up a pace of its own which is an increasing acceleration of action and suspense. If you want a better synopsis of this book read the cover or right click the app. It’s not my style to give you the Cliff Notes version.
There is no way to savor this book. The reader needs to give in, jump on the roller coaster of emotions and be prepared to crash into a magnificent ending.
Peter Ash cannot leave a man behind. I feel this statement is an accurate description of his life. So it is natural for him to become the soldier of his past again when a life is being threatened. He becomes involved in this incidence when his long time girlfriend asks him to check on KT, her friend and mentor. KT was receiving threats which seemed more intense than usual. From this point the writing picks up a pace of its own which is an increasing acceleration of action and suspense. If you want a better synopsis of this book read the cover or right click the app. It’s not my style to give you the Cliff Notes version.
There is no way to savor this book. The reader needs to give in, jump on the roller coaster of emotions and be prepared to crash into a magnificent ending.
March 24, 2026
It feels like it’s been a while since we’ve had a Peter Ash novel. I checked and the last one – “The Price You Pay” – was published in February 2024, two years ago. It feels like a long two years ago…
The good news is that “The Dark Time” brings back Nick Petrie’s well-beloved anti-hero – Peter Ash – an ex-military man who suffers greatly from post-traumatic claustrophobia from tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Promotional blurbs on the back cover from the likes of Mark Greaney and C.J. Box certainly didn’t hurt either.
“The Dark Time” brings ex-soldier and do-gooder, Peter Ash, to Seattle, Washington and other greater Pacific Northwest locations. While he’s doing repairs to his girlfriend, June’s house, fate and duty calls upon him again much like it does to other literary thriller characters such as Reacher, Mitch Rapp, the Gray Man, and even the classic Spenser.
It starts with Katelyn Thorsen, an independent journalist living in Queen Anne with her teenage daughter, who’s received a serious death threat related to a story she’s working on. The problem is she has no clue as to which story it is, but she is meeting with a potential whistleblower who may give her a better understanding of what’s going on. After sending a text about her situation to friend and fellow journalist, June (Peter’s girlfriend), she goes to meet the unknown source.
However, things go bad for her. First, the whistle blower doesn’t show. Then, Katelyn senses she’s being watched but cannot spot anyone in particular. When she arrives at her car a scary man approaches her in a mask and carrying a gun. When she freezes in fear, she finds another man suddenly appear from nowhere to face the man with a gun…
Enter Peter who has been sent by June to watch out for and protect her friend Katelyn. However, this is only the beginning of trouble for Peter and his newfound journalist friend, both of which will be thrown into a flurry of deadly attacks which will leave behind dead bodies and their fighting for physical survival.
order to protect Katelyn and her daughter while also trying to find the source and reason for their attacks, Peter will need help. Serious and deadly help, as well as someone smarter than him to figure out how to connect the dots. Enter his best and most lethal friend, Lewis, and his smart as hell girl, June, along with a member from his previous military team.
Even with them on his side, that may not be enough to stop a plot that has been years and millions of dollars in the planning. If they fail, the consequences will be massive and widespread…
My first thought after reading “The Dark Time” was that Petrie did a great job of reminding us of why we missed Peter Ash and need his presence in the thriller/mystery genre. I was very surprised by how fast moving, fluid, and smooth this book was, providing an excellent paced thriller that made time fly by. Petrie drew my interest in the first chapter, had full control of it by the second and third chapters, and never relinquished it until the very last page. He had my full attention, even pulling my interest from the annual sportsfest that we call March Madness, and turned this into an interactive emotionally two-evening reading experience.
I enjoyed the short focused and tight chapters, propelling the story move along at a brisk and fast pace. Petrie kept things on point, constantly elevating the tension throughout. Much like that of a Lee Child Reacher novel or a David Baldacci thriller. Petrie’s developed his own rhythm and style with this series and characters, and it works well in this one, especially with Lewis, June, and Peter being in serious lief-threatening jeopardy that elevates the drama and tension to a higher emotional level.
As much as I am personally endeared to Petrie’s primary characters – Peter, June, and Lewis – he layered the plotline with one surprise after another, one attack after another, one fight after another, constantly keeping Peyer and his team mates constantly fighting from a defensive position and trying to battle their way out of Jason Bourne type situations throughout most of the book.
Petrie spent a significant time on the plotting and how he was going to peel each layer of the onion as he told the story, and it certainly paid off for him. He put together so many surprising twists and turns along the way that it felt an adrenaline filled roller coaster ride that never slowed down. It made for an effortless and extremely enjoyable read that immersed the reader fully into the story, just as if you were sitting next to Peter and June while they were plotting their next move.
One last note, I found myself connecting with Katelyn’s daughter, Ellie, who quickly transitioned from a smart aleck naïve teenager to someone who attached herself to Ash went things went bad. I was drawn to her moments of internal fortitude and determination, especially in the moments of severe danger she found herself in. I hope we get to see her again in future books.
Overall, this was a strong 4-star read that exemplifies the strengths of the thriller/mystery genre. I have become an avid fan of what Petrie has created and have no problem going out of my way to recommend his “Peter Ash” series to others with a confident and knowing smile. If you haven’t experienced Peter Ash, there is no better time to start than now. Grab the first book in his series – “The Drifter” – and start your journey now. It will be well worth it!
The good news is that “The Dark Time” brings back Nick Petrie’s well-beloved anti-hero – Peter Ash – an ex-military man who suffers greatly from post-traumatic claustrophobia from tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Promotional blurbs on the back cover from the likes of Mark Greaney and C.J. Box certainly didn’t hurt either.
“The Dark Time” brings ex-soldier and do-gooder, Peter Ash, to Seattle, Washington and other greater Pacific Northwest locations. While he’s doing repairs to his girlfriend, June’s house, fate and duty calls upon him again much like it does to other literary thriller characters such as Reacher, Mitch Rapp, the Gray Man, and even the classic Spenser.
It starts with Katelyn Thorsen, an independent journalist living in Queen Anne with her teenage daughter, who’s received a serious death threat related to a story she’s working on. The problem is she has no clue as to which story it is, but she is meeting with a potential whistleblower who may give her a better understanding of what’s going on. After sending a text about her situation to friend and fellow journalist, June (Peter’s girlfriend), she goes to meet the unknown source.
However, things go bad for her. First, the whistle blower doesn’t show. Then, Katelyn senses she’s being watched but cannot spot anyone in particular. When she arrives at her car a scary man approaches her in a mask and carrying a gun. When she freezes in fear, she finds another man suddenly appear from nowhere to face the man with a gun…
Enter Peter who has been sent by June to watch out for and protect her friend Katelyn. However, this is only the beginning of trouble for Peter and his newfound journalist friend, both of which will be thrown into a flurry of deadly attacks which will leave behind dead bodies and their fighting for physical survival.
order to protect Katelyn and her daughter while also trying to find the source and reason for their attacks, Peter will need help. Serious and deadly help, as well as someone smarter than him to figure out how to connect the dots. Enter his best and most lethal friend, Lewis, and his smart as hell girl, June, along with a member from his previous military team.
Even with them on his side, that may not be enough to stop a plot that has been years and millions of dollars in the planning. If they fail, the consequences will be massive and widespread…
My first thought after reading “The Dark Time” was that Petrie did a great job of reminding us of why we missed Peter Ash and need his presence in the thriller/mystery genre. I was very surprised by how fast moving, fluid, and smooth this book was, providing an excellent paced thriller that made time fly by. Petrie drew my interest in the first chapter, had full control of it by the second and third chapters, and never relinquished it until the very last page. He had my full attention, even pulling my interest from the annual sportsfest that we call March Madness, and turned this into an interactive emotionally two-evening reading experience.
I enjoyed the short focused and tight chapters, propelling the story move along at a brisk and fast pace. Petrie kept things on point, constantly elevating the tension throughout. Much like that of a Lee Child Reacher novel or a David Baldacci thriller. Petrie’s developed his own rhythm and style with this series and characters, and it works well in this one, especially with Lewis, June, and Peter being in serious lief-threatening jeopardy that elevates the drama and tension to a higher emotional level.
As much as I am personally endeared to Petrie’s primary characters – Peter, June, and Lewis – he layered the plotline with one surprise after another, one attack after another, one fight after another, constantly keeping Peyer and his team mates constantly fighting from a defensive position and trying to battle their way out of Jason Bourne type situations throughout most of the book.
Petrie spent a significant time on the plotting and how he was going to peel each layer of the onion as he told the story, and it certainly paid off for him. He put together so many surprising twists and turns along the way that it felt an adrenaline filled roller coaster ride that never slowed down. It made for an effortless and extremely enjoyable read that immersed the reader fully into the story, just as if you were sitting next to Peter and June while they were plotting their next move.
One last note, I found myself connecting with Katelyn’s daughter, Ellie, who quickly transitioned from a smart aleck naïve teenager to someone who attached herself to Ash went things went bad. I was drawn to her moments of internal fortitude and determination, especially in the moments of severe danger she found herself in. I hope we get to see her again in future books.
Overall, this was a strong 4-star read that exemplifies the strengths of the thriller/mystery genre. I have become an avid fan of what Petrie has created and have no problem going out of my way to recommend his “Peter Ash” series to others with a confident and knowing smile. If you haven’t experienced Peter Ash, there is no better time to start than now. Grab the first book in his series – “The Drifter” – and start your journey now. It will be well worth it!
April 11, 2026
4.5 Stars rounded up to 5 Stars
RTC
RTC
December 1, 2025
I was excited to have the opportunity to read the latest Peter Ash ARC. I have been a long time fan of the series and have enjoyed watching Peter as he navigates his way through his many challenges. The Peter of today is not the Peter that we first met, and seeing the strength of his relationships - with both June and with Lewis and Manny - show just how much he has grown.
This book has Peter finding himself in the middle of a series of complex situations when he offers to look after one of June's reporter friends. The friend, Katelyn Thorsen, received a threat and wasn't sure if she should be worried or not. Before you know it, Peter (and then shortly after, June, Lewis and Manny) find themselves trying to figure out what is going on after the threat turns out to be VERY real.
For whatever reason, this is the first Peter Ash book that I had a hard time settling in to. I normally run right through the books, becoming invested in the case and holding my breath during all of the action scenes. Now don't get me wrong, I still enjoyed this book. I just didn't.....well, I didn't find myself as invested as normal. There seemed to be issues in the pacing, a lull in the middle of the book that had me finding reasons to put the book down. I felt like I kept waiting. For what...I wasn't sure.
This can definitely be read as a stand alone, but the series really is wonderful, and things will make much better sense if you understand the dynamics underneath the relationships that Peter has with the other characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. This book will be out for publication on March 10, 2026.
This book has Peter finding himself in the middle of a series of complex situations when he offers to look after one of June's reporter friends. The friend, Katelyn Thorsen, received a threat and wasn't sure if she should be worried or not. Before you know it, Peter (and then shortly after, June, Lewis and Manny) find themselves trying to figure out what is going on after the threat turns out to be VERY real.
For whatever reason, this is the first Peter Ash book that I had a hard time settling in to. I normally run right through the books, becoming invested in the case and holding my breath during all of the action scenes. Now don't get me wrong, I still enjoyed this book. I just didn't.....well, I didn't find myself as invested as normal. There seemed to be issues in the pacing, a lull in the middle of the book that had me finding reasons to put the book down. I felt like I kept waiting. For what...I wasn't sure.
This can definitely be read as a stand alone, but the series really is wonderful, and things will make much better sense if you understand the dynamics underneath the relationships that Peter has with the other characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. This book will be out for publication on March 10, 2026.
September 7, 2025
READ MY FULL REVIEW AT Best Thriller Books
Propulsive, intense and anxiety-inducing, The Dark Time is a cautionary tale that will give you heart palpitations as violence explodes on seemingly every page. Kudos to Nick Petrie for delivering a novel that is equally entertaining and contemplative, exploring how technology’s impact on society can have a range of consequences.
You know that when you open a Peter Ash novel, it’ll be exciting, explosive and violent. The Dark Time is no different, delivering on all fronts with a story that puts you on edge from the beginning and doesn’t let you breathe for a moment. It also explores how the world is changing and how different sets of people view innovation differently. Some embrace it, others are resentful of what it means for them personally. Making this a timely book as AI explodes across the globe, leading to amazing capabilities while also threatening the livelihood of regular people.
Propulsive, intense and anxiety-inducing, The Dark Time is a cautionary tale that will give you heart palpitations as violence explodes on seemingly every page. Kudos to Nick Petrie for delivering a novel that is equally entertaining and contemplative, exploring how technology’s impact on society can have a range of consequences.
You know that when you open a Peter Ash novel, it’ll be exciting, explosive and violent. The Dark Time is no different, delivering on all fronts with a story that puts you on edge from the beginning and doesn’t let you breathe for a moment. It also explores how the world is changing and how different sets of people view innovation differently. Some embrace it, others are resentful of what it means for them personally. Making this a timely book as AI explodes across the globe, leading to amazing capabilities while also threatening the livelihood of regular people.
March 26, 2026
"The Dark Time" - written by Nick Petrie and published in 2026 by G P Putnam's Sons, Penguin Random House. Petrie wastes no time hurling the reader into a madcap life and death chase, and he keeps the action and tension strong throughout the book. All three of the characters I look forward to watching save the day are part of this thriller. The only drawback was the ominous scenario the trio was trying to prevent, a difficult theme for me to read about. But it was great to spend a few hours filled with their trademark mayhem.
April 9, 2026
An AWESOME thriller, non stop action, our hero-Peter Ash, ex military and suffering from PTSD with enclosed places, “cult” following, The Messenger, murder, a thirteen year old, the electrical grid, a dirty cop, drones and a plot that blew this reader away! Enjoy
December 13, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of The Dark Time by Nick Petrie.
I have read a lot of Nick Petrie’s books and this series just keeps getting better. Slipping back into Peter Ash’s world felt completely effortless and immensely satisfying. Peter remains a compelling lead, driven by a strong moral compass, while the familiar cast of side characters add warmth, humour and real depth. They now feel like an established team rather than supporting players, which gives the story real emotional weight.
The plot is tightly paced and tense, balancing action with character development in a way Petrie does so well. There is a confidence to the storytelling that comes from a series hitting its stride, and I was fully invested from start to finish.
A gripping, assured thriller that rewards long term readers while still feeling fresh and urgent. One of the strongest entries yet and an easy five star read.
I have read a lot of Nick Petrie’s books and this series just keeps getting better. Slipping back into Peter Ash’s world felt completely effortless and immensely satisfying. Peter remains a compelling lead, driven by a strong moral compass, while the familiar cast of side characters add warmth, humour and real depth. They now feel like an established team rather than supporting players, which gives the story real emotional weight.
The plot is tightly paced and tense, balancing action with character development in a way Petrie does so well. There is a confidence to the storytelling that comes from a series hitting its stride, and I was fully invested from start to finish.
A gripping, assured thriller that rewards long term readers while still feeling fresh and urgent. One of the strongest entries yet and an easy five star read.
April 2, 2026
Masterful word crafter. I consistently read or listen (always riviting in audio) to Nick Petrie books as soon as they are published. I would enthusiatically read a stand alone novel as well as continue the Ash series.
March 14, 2026
The Dark Time
This book explores a really good topic, namely the take down of the power grid. I suspect it is way more vulnerable than most people think and could be an easy target.
This book explores a really good topic, namely the take down of the power grid. I suspect it is way more vulnerable than most people think and could be an easy target.
March 24, 2026
A great Peter Ash story. This has been an entertaining series, Peter is a man of great integrity, battling his own demons and his PTSD. I look forward to the continuation of this series and the progress of the universe Nick Petrie has created.
March 30, 2026
4 stars. Enjoyable started great slowed a little at the end.
April 9, 2026
This series has become one of my favorites...Petrie does a great job of telling a story, providing an interesting setting and interesting changes. But where he really excels by providing interesting and detailed characters whose personalities are all different and easy to root for.
This is his ninth in a series and I always enjoy and anticipate getting to read them. He's moved to near the top of my favorite authors of the genre.
This is his ninth in a series and I always enjoy and anticipate getting to read them. He's moved to near the top of my favorite authors of the genre.
April 10, 2026
Seattle. Nonstop action. Tech bros. A cult. The Grid. That's all you need to know. Peter Ash and his crew get it done.
April 11, 2026
I never met a Peter Ash book I didn’t love, this was no exception!
April 11, 2026
Nick Petrie has come up with another great Peter Ash story. As usual, a lot of action from cover to cover. A great plot and characters.
April 7, 2026
OH DEAR GOD!! I love the Peter Ash thrillers SO much and THIS!! ONE!!???? GAAAAAH. So good! So relentless!! DAYUM. Nick Petrie, you own me.
April 7, 2026
really enjoy this author and this series. I enjoy the characters- fighting the good fight
April 6, 2026
Exciting story. I like apocalyptic stories. Peter, June, Lewis are kicking butt.
April 3, 2026
love Peter Ash and his entourage of former military life. always out there doing something for the well-being of others and justice.
April 4, 2026
wall to wall action.
December 21, 2025
Another excellent Petrie story.
KT is a journalist who receives a death threat that she shares with her best friend June, who in turn, sends her partner, Peter Ash, to help and protect KT
In her independent journalism work, she has apparently stumbled into a story that someone does not want to see ever reach publication.
When her teen aged daughter is caught up in the terror, the story really rackets up with suspense and thrilks.
Really good character definitions in a great story.
KT is a journalist who receives a death threat that she shares with her best friend June, who in turn, sends her partner, Peter Ash, to help and protect KT
In her independent journalism work, she has apparently stumbled into a story that someone does not want to see ever reach publication.
When her teen aged daughter is caught up in the terror, the story really rackets up with suspense and thrilks.
Really good character definitions in a great story.
March 27, 2026
The Dark Time by Nick Petrie is book nine in the Peter Ash series. Journalist Katelyn Thorsen (KT) was threatened, as was her daughter, if she didn’t back away from a story. June Cassidy, KT’s friend and Peter’s girlfriend, lets Peter know of the situation. Peter steps up to help KT and learns the story is way bigger than anyone realized. With help from his friends, Peter sets out to figure out what is going on and put an end to it before catastrophe hits. Fast paced and intense, I love this series and these characters.
March 30, 2026
Another winner in the Peter Ash series.
March 28, 2026
I am a fan of this series. It is not a heavy duty mystery, but it offers a lot of thrills along the way as THE MARINE, as his girlfriend calls him and his team move overly brave, semi superheroes, save us from destruction once again. I would not miss any of the books in the Peter Ash series.
March 20, 2026
When KT finds herself reading a threatening note, she turns over to a trusted journalist who sends Peter Ash to help KT. What happens next is a heart pumping read, with cat and mouse games. This was an adrenaline read that kept me at the edge of my seat. I love how this one can be enjoyed as a stand alone. I have jumped mid series, and I didn’t feel lost. The grief, vengeance that Peter Ash had in this novel felt very real, and I couldn’t help but root for him.
The narrator, Stephen Mendel did a great job portraying Peter Ash. I appreciated how the narrator didn’t try to do a high or low pitch for the female characters. I appreciated the listening experience so much more due to that decision. The narrator kept me engaged till the very end. This was such an intense listen for me. I loved it!
A very special thanks to Kaye Publicity for the gifted copy and PRHAudio for the gifted audiobook.
The narrator, Stephen Mendel did a great job portraying Peter Ash. I appreciated how the narrator didn’t try to do a high or low pitch for the female characters. I appreciated the listening experience so much more due to that decision. The narrator kept me engaged till the very end. This was such an intense listen for me. I loved it!
A very special thanks to Kaye Publicity for the gifted copy and PRHAudio for the gifted audiobook.
March 25, 2026
Wow! Can Nick Petrie build suspense! There were only a handful of pages to finish and I could not figure out how our hero would get out of this situation. This is a story peopled with very scary characters and situations. All I can say again is: Wow!
March 26, 2026
Thought this was an excellent installment in the series. Ending is a little rushed.
March 22, 2026
Great. I enjoyed every bit of it. Peter, June, Lewis and now Manny seem like real people. I could feel their thoughts and actions as they went along. What an enjoyable ride.
March 17, 2026
I love the Peter Ash books and 9 of them is not enough! Please send number 10 ASAP! This was a real page turner and an amazing read, as always. No spoilers here; just open it up and start reading. Never a dull moment. Every page advances the plot!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews