What do you think?
These Dark Places
Some secrets should stay buried. Her husband’s won’t.
Della’s life was everything she’d dreamed a loving husband, teenage daughter, and a peaceful cottage in the woods with her own pottery studio. But then her husband, Leo, collapses and on his deathbed makes a devastating confession that turns Della’s world upside down.
Consumed by grief, Della finds the ancient woodland that once sheltered her now feels threatening. The only solace comes from her new neighbour, Carrie, whose kindness gives Della a fragile sense of hope.
As Della digs deeper into her husband’s hidden life, shocking discoveries emerge – about Leo and the life Della thought she knew, and even about Carrie herself. Is her neighbour truly a friend, or is she hiding the most dangerous secret of all?
Della’s life was everything she’d dreamed a loving husband, teenage daughter, and a peaceful cottage in the woods with her own pottery studio. But then her husband, Leo, collapses and on his deathbed makes a devastating confession that turns Della’s world upside down.
Consumed by grief, Della finds the ancient woodland that once sheltered her now feels threatening. The only solace comes from her new neighbour, Carrie, whose kindness gives Della a fragile sense of hope.
As Della digs deeper into her husband’s hidden life, shocking discoveries emerge – about Leo and the life Della thought she knew, and even about Carrie herself. Is her neighbour truly a friend, or is she hiding the most dangerous secret of all?
324 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 16, 2026
About the author
Hilary Tailor
5 books99 followersHilary Tailor is a design consultant, and has worked with clients including adidas and Puma as a colour and trend forecaster. She was raised on the Wirral Peninsula and graduated from the Royal College of Art. The Vanishing Tide is her first novel.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
February 28, 2026
I feel bad that I’m the first to review this book here and it’s a lackluster one at that. DNF.
Overall, I found the story very slow and boring. Nothing about the characters or story gripped me. I tried to read this a few times and kept stopping to look for something else. Eventually I gave up about halfway when the dog died (not violently).
SUMMARY: Della’s husband Leo unexpectedly dies. Shortly before he passes, he tells her he saw Ethan, her dangerous brother, in the woods behind their home and that she cannot sell their home/property.
As Della tries to move forward with life (eg go back to the workforce) she starts to learn Leo had secrets and their life was a house of cards.
Thanks netgalley
Overall, I found the story very slow and boring. Nothing about the characters or story gripped me. I tried to read this a few times and kept stopping to look for something else. Eventually I gave up about halfway when the dog died (not violently).
SUMMARY: Della’s husband Leo unexpectedly dies. Shortly before he passes, he tells her he saw Ethan, her dangerous brother, in the woods behind their home and that she cannot sell their home/property.
As Della tries to move forward with life (eg go back to the workforce) she starts to learn Leo had secrets and their life was a house of cards.
Thanks netgalley
March 22, 2026
I was so excited to read this book and it certainly did not disappoint. I was completely gripped by the storyline and although I saw a couple of things coming, it did not detract from the enjoyment/experience of the read. It was quite dark and sad to start off with, with the characters deep in grief but as each bit of information was released the more gripping it got. As with Hilary Tailor's other books, this is beautifully written and you can really see the locations depicted. Hilary is definitely one of my favourite authors and I will read anything she writes. I will be looking forward to her next release.
April 14, 2026
This was a suspenseful read.
I do think it could have been cut in half but I appreciate the story the author was unraveling, so I didn’t take any stars away.
Della is about to celebrate her wedding anniversary, but she isn’t sure what they are celebrating. Her husband seems depressed and distant. When she gets the call that he has tragically passed away, she begins to unravel the truth of his life, her life, and their life together. Secrets are abounding in this book, and even though you can see some reveals coming, it doesn’t ruin the twists or the ending.
Thank you netgalley for this one!
I do think it could have been cut in half but I appreciate the story the author was unraveling, so I didn’t take any stars away.
Della is about to celebrate her wedding anniversary, but she isn’t sure what they are celebrating. Her husband seems depressed and distant. When she gets the call that he has tragically passed away, she begins to unravel the truth of his life, her life, and their life together. Secrets are abounding in this book, and even though you can see some reveals coming, it doesn’t ruin the twists or the ending.
Thank you netgalley for this one!
April 17, 2026
I had high hopes going into These Dark Places, but unfortunately it didn’t deliver for me. The biggest issue was the lack of a clear, engaging plot. Rather than building momentum or offering a sense of direction, the story felt slow and unfocused, with little happening to keep me invested.
I kept waiting for something meaningful to develop—some twist, conflict, or even a strong narrative thread—but it never quite materialised. Because of this, I found it difficult to stay interested or motivated to keep reading.
In the end, I didn’t finish the book. Without a compelling plot to draw me in, it just wasn’t able to hold my attention. While others might appreciate its style or atmosphere, it simply wasn’t the right fit for me.
I kept waiting for something meaningful to develop—some twist, conflict, or even a strong narrative thread—but it never quite materialised. Because of this, I found it difficult to stay interested or motivated to keep reading.
In the end, I didn’t finish the book. Without a compelling plot to draw me in, it just wasn’t able to hold my attention. While others might appreciate its style or atmosphere, it simply wasn’t the right fit for me.
August 14, 2026
Riveting read!
Well, after ditching many psychological thrillers & vowing not to bother because so many become implausible very soon, I was pleasantly surprised by this one. It didn’t become ridiculous, insulting my intelligence, but kept a steady pace of intrigue throughout. Believable, relatable. characters, well researched, with emotional depth. Well done Hilary Tailor I will read more of yours!
Well, after ditching many psychological thrillers & vowing not to bother because so many become implausible very soon, I was pleasantly surprised by this one. It didn’t become ridiculous, insulting my intelligence, but kept a steady pace of intrigue throughout. Believable, relatable. characters, well researched, with emotional depth. Well done Hilary Tailor I will read more of yours!
May 17, 2026
Hillary Taylor is a an amazing storyteller.
This story is a quietly gripping psychological thriller that thrives on mood and character rather than shock tactics. The novel follows a woman forced to confront long‑buried trauma when she returns to the rural community she once fled.
Hilary‘s strength lies in her ability to evoke place—shadowed forests, isolated farmhouses, and the uneasy silence of small‑town secrets—while steadily tightening the emotional tension.
The protagonist’s inner conflict is rendered with empathy, making her unraveling feel both intimate and inevitable.
Though the plot unfolds at a measured pace, the payoff is satisfying, with revelations that feel earned rather than engineered.
This is a story about memory, guilt, and the way the past refuses to stay buried, delivered with restraint and a keen psychological eye.
This story is a quietly gripping psychological thriller that thrives on mood and character rather than shock tactics. The novel follows a woman forced to confront long‑buried trauma when she returns to the rural community she once fled.
Hilary‘s strength lies in her ability to evoke place—shadowed forests, isolated farmhouses, and the uneasy silence of small‑town secrets—while steadily tightening the emotional tension.
The protagonist’s inner conflict is rendered with empathy, making her unraveling feel both intimate and inevitable.
Though the plot unfolds at a measured pace, the payoff is satisfying, with revelations that feel earned rather than engineered.
This is a story about memory, guilt, and the way the past refuses to stay buried, delivered with restraint and a keen psychological eye.
May 18, 2026
4.5/5 ⭐️
After Della’s husband suddenly dies and leaves behind a confession that completely destroys the life she thought she had, everything around her starts unraveling fast.
I think what I liked most was the atmosphere. The isolated cottage, the woods surrounding the house, and the constant feeling that something was off made everything feel really tense and unsettling.
I also liked how layered the mystery felt. Every time Della uncovered something new about her husband or the people around her, another secret would come out and completely shift things again.
And honestly…I was suspicious of basically everyone.
This definitely leans more emotional and psychological than super fast paced thriller, but I actually liked that because it made the paranoia, grief, and betrayal hit harder.
After Della’s husband suddenly dies and leaves behind a confession that completely destroys the life she thought she had, everything around her starts unraveling fast.
I think what I liked most was the atmosphere. The isolated cottage, the woods surrounding the house, and the constant feeling that something was off made everything feel really tense and unsettling.
I also liked how layered the mystery felt. Every time Della uncovered something new about her husband or the people around her, another secret would come out and completely shift things again.
And honestly…I was suspicious of basically everyone.
This definitely leans more emotional and psychological than super fast paced thriller, but I actually liked that because it made the paranoia, grief, and betrayal hit harder.
May 4, 2026
Loved this! Had me on my edge the whole time. Suspenseful and a story with different plot twists. The only thing I thought was a bit tiring, was the long detailed description of some stuff that I didn’t find interesting. Other than that the author knows the suspense genre well!
May 28, 2026
beautiful and unexpected
This is my first book by this author. It’s a beautifully woven story of loss, grief, grace and hope in the most honest ways. I look forward to reading for of her works.
Heather not Shaynor
This is my first book by this author. It’s a beautifully woven story of loss, grief, grace and hope in the most honest ways. I look forward to reading for of her works.
Heather not Shaynor
September 15, 2026
3.5 enjoyed the writing style and plot but it was slightly predictable towards the end
June 27, 2026
I cannot stand a dumb female main character — like, please. Also the entire book so predictable it was painful. I had hoped the end would revive it, but it didn’t. I don’t know why this book is rated at 4 stars, but it’s a lie.
Also, the dog dies.
Also, the dog dies.
May 3, 2026
She Let Fear Run Her Life… Until She Didn’t
This book was… odd. Not bad, but definitely one of those stories where you’re constantly trying to figure out how you feel about it.
Della as a main character really tested my patience. She’s someone who has clearly been through deep trauma, especially from her past with her brother, and you can see how that shaped her. But instead of working through it, she seemed to shrink into herself and hand over control of her entire life to her husband. It was frustrating watching her rely on him for everything, especially when it was clear she could step up but chose fear instead.
Her relationship with her daughter felt distant and uncomfortable at times, which added another layer to how disconnected she had become from her own life. And then there’s the realization that the people around her seemed to know her husband better than she did… that part really added to the unease of the story. The secrets, the tension, the feeling that something wasn’t quite right—it all built a strong atmosphere.
What saved this book for me was Della’s growth. When she finally starts to reclaim herself, it’s powerful. You can see glimpses of who she used to be and who she could have been all along. That transformation felt earned, even if it took a while to get there. And once she stepped into that strength, she was genuinely compelling.
Overall, this is a slow, character-driven story that leans heavily into trauma, control, and identity. It won’t be for everyone, especially if you struggle with frustrating main characters, but there’s something satisfying about watching someone claw their way back to themselves.
This book was… odd. Not bad, but definitely one of those stories where you’re constantly trying to figure out how you feel about it.
Della as a main character really tested my patience. She’s someone who has clearly been through deep trauma, especially from her past with her brother, and you can see how that shaped her. But instead of working through it, she seemed to shrink into herself and hand over control of her entire life to her husband. It was frustrating watching her rely on him for everything, especially when it was clear she could step up but chose fear instead.
Her relationship with her daughter felt distant and uncomfortable at times, which added another layer to how disconnected she had become from her own life. And then there’s the realization that the people around her seemed to know her husband better than she did… that part really added to the unease of the story. The secrets, the tension, the feeling that something wasn’t quite right—it all built a strong atmosphere.
What saved this book for me was Della’s growth. When she finally starts to reclaim herself, it’s powerful. You can see glimpses of who she used to be and who she could have been all along. That transformation felt earned, even if it took a while to get there. And once she stepped into that strength, she was genuinely compelling.
Overall, this is a slow, character-driven story that leans heavily into trauma, control, and identity. It won’t be for everyone, especially if you struggle with frustrating main characters, but there’s something satisfying about watching someone claw their way back to themselves.
May 25, 2026
Book Review — Psychological Thriller / Domestic Suspense
Just finished These Dark Places by Hilary Tailor
⭐ Star Rating: 4
This book felt like… grieving someone while slowly realizing you may never have actually known them at all.
The atmosphere in this story was so tense and quietly unsettling from the very beginning.
Della thinks she has the perfect life — a loving husband, a peaceful cottage in the woods, and a future that feels safe. But after her husband’s shocking deathbed confession, everything around her starts to feel wrong. Even the woods that once comforted her suddenly feel threatening.
Did I care about the characters? Definitely — especially Della. Watching her grief spiral into suspicion and fear made the emotional side of the thriller really work for me.
Tropes included: hidden pasts, deathbed confessions, isolated woodland setting, unreliable trust, grieving wife, dangerous secrets, suspicious neighbors.
These tropes created such a claustrophobic atmosphere because every new discovery made Della feel even more trapped.
Pacing? Steady at first, then increasingly difficult to put down once the secrets start unraveling.
This book made me feel: tense, suspicious, and emotionally unsettled.
What really worked for me was the way the story blended grief with paranoia. You never fully know who Della can trust — and honestly, I was side-eyeing almost everyone by the end.
And the woodland setting?
Beautiful, eerie, and constantly threatening in the background.
Perfect for readers who love domestic thrillers filled with emotional tension, buried secrets, and slow-building suspense that keeps tightening chapter after chapter.
Just finished These Dark Places by Hilary Tailor
⭐ Star Rating: 4
This book felt like… grieving someone while slowly realizing you may never have actually known them at all.
The atmosphere in this story was so tense and quietly unsettling from the very beginning.
Della thinks she has the perfect life — a loving husband, a peaceful cottage in the woods, and a future that feels safe. But after her husband’s shocking deathbed confession, everything around her starts to feel wrong. Even the woods that once comforted her suddenly feel threatening.
Did I care about the characters? Definitely — especially Della. Watching her grief spiral into suspicion and fear made the emotional side of the thriller really work for me.
Tropes included: hidden pasts, deathbed confessions, isolated woodland setting, unreliable trust, grieving wife, dangerous secrets, suspicious neighbors.
These tropes created such a claustrophobic atmosphere because every new discovery made Della feel even more trapped.
Pacing? Steady at first, then increasingly difficult to put down once the secrets start unraveling.
This book made me feel: tense, suspicious, and emotionally unsettled.
What really worked for me was the way the story blended grief with paranoia. You never fully know who Della can trust — and honestly, I was side-eyeing almost everyone by the end.
And the woodland setting?
Beautiful, eerie, and constantly threatening in the background.
Perfect for readers who love domestic thrillers filled with emotional tension, buried secrets, and slow-building suspense that keeps tightening chapter after chapter.
April 19, 2026
Thank you to the author and publisher for the opportunity to read this book, I truly appreciate it. Thank you Good Reads!
I picked up These Dark Places thinking it was going to be just another emotional story, but it ended up pulling me in more than I expected.
This book isn’t fast-paced or overly dramatic, but it carries a quiet intensity throughout. It really focuses on family, past secrets, and how people deal with pain in different ways. What stood out to me the most was how real the characters felt. They’re not perfect, and at times I felt frustrated with them, but at the same time, I understood them.
As the story unfolds, little by little things start to connect, and it makes you question what you thought you knew at the beginning. I liked that feeling of slowly putting things together.
Some parts did feel a bit slow, especially in the middle, but I think that also allowed the emotional moments to hit stronger. It’s more of a reflective, character-driven read than something action-packed.
Overall, I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy emotional stories with depth and a touch of mystery. It’s one of those quiet reads that stays with you after you finish.
I picked up These Dark Places thinking it was going to be just another emotional story, but it ended up pulling me in more than I expected.
This book isn’t fast-paced or overly dramatic, but it carries a quiet intensity throughout. It really focuses on family, past secrets, and how people deal with pain in different ways. What stood out to me the most was how real the characters felt. They’re not perfect, and at times I felt frustrated with them, but at the same time, I understood them.
As the story unfolds, little by little things start to connect, and it makes you question what you thought you knew at the beginning. I liked that feeling of slowly putting things together.
Some parts did feel a bit slow, especially in the middle, but I think that also allowed the emotional moments to hit stronger. It’s more of a reflective, character-driven read than something action-packed.
Overall, I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy emotional stories with depth and a touch of mystery. It’s one of those quiet reads that stays with you after you finish.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
**Thank you Lake Union Publishing for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own**
When Della's husband suddenly dies all he leaves her with is cryptic last words, financial worries, and an angry teenage daughter. As Della tries to figure out what her husband's last words to her meant and as well as what happened to $200,000 he was supposed to use to pay of their house but didn't she is confronted with her own past as well as secrets she never knew her husband was keeping.
I went back and forth on how I felt about this book. Ultimately, I think there was a really good story here that just never felt fully developed. By the time I finished it, I felt like this would have been more interesting if written as lit fic rather than a thriller because the mystery/thriller element just didn't really work for me. The murder just didn't really seem to actually matter or have any consequences, the interpersonal relationships were more interesting.
When Della's husband suddenly dies all he leaves her with is cryptic last words, financial worries, and an angry teenage daughter. As Della tries to figure out what her husband's last words to her meant and as well as what happened to $200,000 he was supposed to use to pay of their house but didn't she is confronted with her own past as well as secrets she never knew her husband was keeping.
I went back and forth on how I felt about this book. Ultimately, I think there was a really good story here that just never felt fully developed. By the time I finished it, I felt like this would have been more interesting if written as lit fic rather than a thriller because the mystery/thriller element just didn't really work for me. The murder just didn't really seem to actually matter or have any consequences, the interpersonal relationships were more interesting.
September 14, 2026
This was my first time reading a book by Hilary Tailor, and I wasn't immediately convinced it was going to be for me. The story started quite slowly, and at first I wasn't even sure I would finish it. However, after about 20 minutes of reading, I found myself completely drawn in and eager to find out what would happen next.
While there were a few sections that felt a little drawn out, the overall story was suspenseful and engaging. The plot was full of unexpected twists and surprises that kept me guessing throughout. Just when I thought I had things figured out, another revelation came along to change my perspective.
I particularly enjoyed the ending, which tied everything together in a satisfying way and left a lasting impression. Although the pacing wasn't perfect in places, the strong suspense, compelling mystery, and surprising developments made it a worthwhile read.
Overall, I would recommend These Dark Places to anyone who enjoys a suspenseful thriller with plenty of twists and an enjoyable ending.
Rating: 4/5 ⭐
While there were a few sections that felt a little drawn out, the overall story was suspenseful and engaging. The plot was full of unexpected twists and surprises that kept me guessing throughout. Just when I thought I had things figured out, another revelation came along to change my perspective.
I particularly enjoyed the ending, which tied everything together in a satisfying way and left a lasting impression. Although the pacing wasn't perfect in places, the strong suspense, compelling mystery, and surprising developments made it a worthwhile read.
Overall, I would recommend These Dark Places to anyone who enjoys a suspenseful thriller with plenty of twists and an enjoyable ending.
Rating: 4/5 ⭐
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was such a compelling and layered read/listen. These Dark Places dives deep into the secrets people keep and the complicated truths that often surface only after someone is gone. What begins as grief slowly unravels into a web of hidden relationships, betrayals, and long-buried realities.
One thing I really appreciated was how the story explores the grey areas of relationships, especially the emotional weight many women find themselves sorting through after the death of a spouse or loved one who may have taken important truths to the grave. The realizations that unfold feel raw, uncomfortable, and very real.
The themes of love, betrayal, and self-discovery kept me fully invested, and the slow peeling back of secrets made this a really satisfying listen. If you enjoy character driven stories that examine the complexities of relationships and the truths we uncover in grief, I definitely recommend picking this one up.
One thing I really appreciated was how the story explores the grey areas of relationships, especially the emotional weight many women find themselves sorting through after the death of a spouse or loved one who may have taken important truths to the grave. The realizations that unfold feel raw, uncomfortable, and very real.
The themes of love, betrayal, and self-discovery kept me fully invested, and the slow peeling back of secrets made this a really satisfying listen. If you enjoy character driven stories that examine the complexities of relationships and the truths we uncover in grief, I definitely recommend picking this one up.
April 2, 2026
I had forgotten how much I like thrillers until listening to this audiobook. This was soooo good, it took me along for the ride 100% and at the end I couldn't stop listening. I liked that the bodies were not female, for once, the people investigating what was going on were women. I did not really appreciate how the story implies to a certain degree that violence and/or psychopathy runs in the genes, as this is not true actually and can stigmatize people from problematic families.
The portrayal of what it is to be heard for the first time in your life, finally... so real!
Ethan was a weird addition to the story, I'm not sure how I feel about the character being in the book, and some of the main character's decisions I did not quite understand (i.e. I would have acted differently or my thought process would be very different), but definitely a thriller that will have you hooked. Also, Robin, ugh.
The portrayal of what it is to be heard for the first time in your life, finally... so real!
Ethan was a weird addition to the story, I'm not sure how I feel about the character being in the book, and some of the main character's decisions I did not quite understand (i.e. I would have acted differently or my thought process would be very different), but definitely a thriller that will have you hooked. Also, Robin, ugh.
March 19, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for this free ALC in exchange for an honest review.
Della's husband is dying. On his death bed he makes a confession and a request. He has secrets but we don't know what they are. Enter hours of addictive audio to try to figure it out. The audio narration was impeccable and I enjoyed every minute. I didn't know exactly where the story was going. For me, it started to feel like there were almost too many twists, which made parts of the story a little hard to believe. I can't be more specific without spoiling it though so that's all I'll say!
This is a fast-paced, twisty listen that kept me fully engaged, and I still had a lot of fun with it. I would absolutely recommend this audiobook/book, especially for fans of suspenseful, binge-worthy thrillers.
PS I loved the dog's name being Marmite, what an adorable name!!
Della's husband is dying. On his death bed he makes a confession and a request. He has secrets but we don't know what they are. Enter hours of addictive audio to try to figure it out. The audio narration was impeccable and I enjoyed every minute. I didn't know exactly where the story was going. For me, it started to feel like there were almost too many twists, which made parts of the story a little hard to believe. I can't be more specific without spoiling it though so that's all I'll say!
This is a fast-paced, twisty listen that kept me fully engaged, and I still had a lot of fun with it. I would absolutely recommend this audiobook/book, especially for fans of suspenseful, binge-worthy thrillers.
PS I loved the dog's name being Marmite, what an adorable name!!
May 19, 2026
"These Dark Places was exactly the sort of thriller that’s easy to burn through quickly. The short chapters and constant movement kept the pace high, and it never really dragged or disappeared into unnecessary filler. It felt more focused on keeping the reader hooked than trying to be overly clever, which honestly worked in its favour.
The mystery itself was entertaining and had enough tension to keep me turning the pages, even if some reveals were easier to spot than others. The setting and atmosphere gave it a slightly darker edge without becoming too heavy, and the writing style made it very accessible and easy to follow.
It probably won’t stay with me for years, but I enjoyed the ride while I was in it. Sometimes you just want a quick, engaging mystery that keeps things moving, and this delivered that well. I’ll definitely pick up more books by this author."
The mystery itself was entertaining and had enough tension to keep me turning the pages, even if some reveals were easier to spot than others. The setting and atmosphere gave it a slightly darker edge without becoming too heavy, and the writing style made it very accessible and easy to follow.
It probably won’t stay with me for years, but I enjoyed the ride while I was in it. Sometimes you just want a quick, engaging mystery that keeps things moving, and this delivered that well. I’ll definitely pick up more books by this author."
March 19, 2026
These Dark Places
by Hilary Tailor
Pub Date: Mar 16 2026
"Hilary Tailor has delivered a chilling psychological thriller that proves some secrets are better left buried. These Dark Places starts with a bang—a deathbed confession—and never lets up. I loved how the author flipped the 'peaceful cottage' trope on its head, making the forest feel just as threatening as the secrets Della uncovers. While the pacing is 'quietly gripping', the final twists regarding Carrie and Leo kept me guessing until the very end. Highly recommended for fans of domestic suspense who enjoy a slow-burn mystery with a heavy emotional core."
Many thanks to #TheseDarkPlaces #NetGalley, #AmazonPublishingUK and #LakeUnionPublishing for providing me with an E-ARC of this book.
by Hilary Tailor
Pub Date: Mar 16 2026
"Hilary Tailor has delivered a chilling psychological thriller that proves some secrets are better left buried. These Dark Places starts with a bang—a deathbed confession—and never lets up. I loved how the author flipped the 'peaceful cottage' trope on its head, making the forest feel just as threatening as the secrets Della uncovers. While the pacing is 'quietly gripping', the final twists regarding Carrie and Leo kept me guessing until the very end. Highly recommended for fans of domestic suspense who enjoy a slow-burn mystery with a heavy emotional core."
Many thanks to #TheseDarkPlaces #NetGalley, #AmazonPublishingUK and #LakeUnionPublishing for providing me with an E-ARC of this book.
September 29, 2026
From Dark to Light
A loving husband suddenly dies unexpectedly.
Della his wife is thrown into chaos. Leo, her now deceased husband, took care of everything.
The mortgage she thought was paid off was not. She is a very good potter, but that is not an adequate income source.
She doesn’t know the password for Leo’s computer or phone. His adviser and best friend is being evasive regarding the missing money.
Secrets?!?!
Their home is half of a house. The other half has just been bought by an unknown person.
That person is now beginning residence next door
Things are changing quickly with few answers and there are seemingly many secrets in her husband’s life
As Della unravels the secrets, revelations appear with some twists.
Great read.
A loving husband suddenly dies unexpectedly.
Della his wife is thrown into chaos. Leo, her now deceased husband, took care of everything.
The mortgage she thought was paid off was not. She is a very good potter, but that is not an adequate income source.
She doesn’t know the password for Leo’s computer or phone. His adviser and best friend is being evasive regarding the missing money.
Secrets?!?!
Their home is half of a house. The other half has just been bought by an unknown person.
That person is now beginning residence next door
Things are changing quickly with few answers and there are seemingly many secrets in her husband’s life
As Della unravels the secrets, revelations appear with some twists.
Great read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Yawn.
My goodness this story was quite boring. Nothing really happened for the first 80% of the book. The brother pyromaniac storyline had promise but that just fizzled out and meant really nothing to the story. How odd?
Definitely didn’t like the part of the story about the dog dying. What on earth did this have to do with the storyline? Also, felt odd.
Nothing about this was twisty, except for maybe the Alex being someone else’s subplot. I wasn’t getting sinister vibes from the neighbor, Carrie either. All emotion just fell flat.
The only redeeming quality of this story was the narrator. She was great! I listened at 2x.
This just was not for me.
My goodness this story was quite boring. Nothing really happened for the first 80% of the book. The brother pyromaniac storyline had promise but that just fizzled out and meant really nothing to the story. How odd?
Definitely didn’t like the part of the story about the dog dying. What on earth did this have to do with the storyline? Also, felt odd.
Nothing about this was twisty, except for maybe the Alex being someone else’s subplot. I wasn’t getting sinister vibes from the neighbor, Carrie either. All emotion just fell flat.
The only redeeming quality of this story was the narrator. She was great! I listened at 2x.
This just was not for me.
March 19, 2026
Thank you Netgalley for this ARC of These Dark Places by Hilary Tailor.
This book was unexpected from beginning to end. From the death of Della's husband, to the neighbors who moved in next door. I love a good twisty-turny suspense novel as much as the next guy, but this was almost too much. The ending was especially too much, but also not enough? Like, all that tension and build-up...for that?
I didn't dislike this book, but there was plenty about it that I disliked. It's a solid 3 stars.
This book was unexpected from beginning to end. From the death of Della's husband, to the neighbors who moved in next door. I love a good twisty-turny suspense novel as much as the next guy, but this was almost too much. The ending was especially too much, but also not enough? Like, all that tension and build-up...for that?
I didn't dislike this book, but there was plenty about it that I disliked. It's a solid 3 stars.
September 19, 2026
Fantastic
What an absolutely amazing piece of writing right from the beginning to the end. Everything about it was totally encompassing. It had twists and turns, siblings, lies, deceit high had me turning over the pages quickly to see what would happen next. It did not disappoint. Thank you for quite a few hours of entertainment 😊 I was surprised with a f word near the end, why? Totally unnecessary in my opinion, all was working out so so well. I didn’t remove a star due to its gripping nature 😊
What an absolutely amazing piece of writing right from the beginning to the end. Everything about it was totally encompassing. It had twists and turns, siblings, lies, deceit high had me turning over the pages quickly to see what would happen next. It did not disappoint. Thank you for quite a few hours of entertainment 😊 I was surprised with a f word near the end, why? Totally unnecessary in my opinion, all was working out so so well. I didn’t remove a star due to its gripping nature 😊
March 19, 2026
I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an audio ARC.
These Dark Places is a slow moving book. It took quite a while for the story to pick up. I just couldn't fully get into this book and it felt like the mystery took a backseat to almost everything else in the book. This book definitely explores a lot of the relationships between different characters, but unfortunately I just couldn't quite get into this one.
These Dark Places is a slow moving book. It took quite a while for the story to pick up. I just couldn't fully get into this book and it felt like the mystery took a backseat to almost everything else in the book. This book definitely explores a lot of the relationships between different characters, but unfortunately I just couldn't quite get into this one.
April 28, 2026
I had high hopes for this book, but sadly it was a bit of a slog for me to get through. Every time I stoped listening, I found it hard to pick it back up. I just couldn’t connect to the story or the characters. The pacing was excruciatingly slow. There were a few twists, but nothing really felt unique or different. I feel like this type of story has been told many times before. Sadly, this book just wasn’t for me.
September 22, 2026
Make no mistake, Tailor is an excellent author. Her writing is exquisite, but her editor let her down. Editor - this is on you!
The foreshadowing came too quickly. Guessing was too easy.
I listened to this on audio. The proof reader :(
Too many word repeats and tags. Author, if you’re reading this, don’t be discouraged, but do an audio edit after the last proofread. It cost you 2 stars! However, I want to see what you come up with next. Go for it!
The foreshadowing came too quickly. Guessing was too easy.
I listened to this on audio. The proof reader :(
Too many word repeats and tags. Author, if you’re reading this, don’t be discouraged, but do an audio edit after the last proofread. It cost you 2 stars! However, I want to see what you come up with next. Go for it!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Unfortunately this book just wasn’t holding my attention at all. The characters were actually quite good and the writing was excellent, but the plot was just a snooze. I could not care less what happens, is there even a mystery? I’m halfway through and I could not tell you what we are meant to be investigating yet.
March 23, 2026
These Dark Places delivers all the ingredients you'll want from a psychological thriller - it's gripping, chilling, twisty and so much more. Hilary's skill in describing setting becomes a character in itself and with a plot that's deeply layered, just when you think you know where the story's going, it switches direction - utterly brilliant!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews